Get Involved in Climate Action

An energy-efficient space is also comfortable, healthy, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.

• See what energy efficiency tips are in your budget:

  • Small changes that can add up from Natural Resources Canada

  • Save On Energy programs and incentives including free upgrades for income-eligible households. 

• Save $75 on a smart thermostat and income-qualified homes are eligible for free upgrades through the  Enbridge Home Winterproofing Program.

• When replacing heating/cooling systems, consider a heat pump – a high impact climate action. Calculate your potential savings!

• Replace old appliances with Energy Star products at the end of their life.

• Ensure your home is climate-resilient:

  • Complete a home flood protection checkup.

  • Explore home resilience upgrades using the Climate Resilient Home Tool. 

Interested in doing larger upgrades? Currently, the following funding programs are available:

• The Canada Greener Homes Loan provides up to $40,000 as a loan, interest-free for 10 years.

• The Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate offers up to $5,000 for energy efficiency upgrades (for Enbridge Gas customers who heat with natural gas)

• The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program - Is your home heated by oil? Is your household at or below the median household after-tax income? You may be eligible for up to $10,000 grant towards a heat pump.

• The Energy Affordability Program is available for income-eligible households and includes a free energy needs assessment by an energy expert to identify opportunities to help them save energy, receive upgrades, and replace eligible appliances.

• Drive less. Carpool, choose transit if available, and walk, ride, or roll for short trips. Check out Grey Transit Route and local trails. 

• Consider an e-bike or an electric vehicle.

• Replace one vacation with a ‘staycation’.

• Waste less food and buy only what you need to.

• Naturalize your garden with native plants or grow your own food in your backyard or a nearby community garden.

• Buy locally grown food from farmers markets, or other local producers.

• Increase plant-based meals.

• Compost your organic waste through either curbside collection, backyard composting, or a countertop unit. Georgian Bluffs and Hanover have FoodCycler incentive programs. 

• Shop second hand and donate old clothes.

• Re-use or repair items rather than throwing them out.

  • Need help? Check out the Repair Cafes in Owen Sound and Thornbury.

Businesses that prioritize sustainability can both save money by increasing efficiency and attract more customers. If you are interested in advancing your business sustainability goals, consider the following actions:

• If you’re looking for support, consider joining the Green Economy Hub Pilot for South Georgian Bay!  

• If you’re a manufacturer, join the EMC GreenMFG Network.

• If you’re a tourism business:

  • Complete GreenStep’s Free Sustainability Score and commit to the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge as a public commitment to sustainability.

  • Once you’re ready to dig deeper, complete a Sustainability Diagnosis or Sustainable Tourism Certification.

• If you are a farm business:

  • Experimental Acres supports farmers in implementing a sustainable or regenerative pilot project.

  • Grey Agricultural Services provides a range of courses, webinars, and resources to support farmers. 

  • ALUS Grey-Bruce and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Stewardship Grants supports land stewardship and biodiversity on the agricultural landscape.  

  • Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association offer cost-share programs for on-farm climate action.