Celebrating One Year of RDKB HomeSmart
By RDKB
As RDKB HomeSmart reaches its first anniversary, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is celebrating the free program’s success in supporting homeowners across the region. Since its launch in January 2024, RDKB HomeSmart has built strong, positive relationships with participants, collaborated with many local programs, and recently launched a first-of-its-kind guidance document.
RDKB HomeSmart was created to simplify the home retrofit process for residents by offering personalized guidance, support with hiring professional contractors and energy advisors and resources for navigating rebates and loans. Funded by the Columbia Basin Trust, FortisBC, and RDKB, and managed by RDKB’s HomeSmart team, the program has quickly gained momentum, with over 200 residents participating in its first year.
“Our community has embraced the RDKB HomeSmart program, reflecting a shared commitment to building an energy efficient and resilient future, which is great to see,” says Andy Morel, Chair of the RDKB Board.
One of the most popular improvements this past year has been upgrading windows and doors, a choice that appeals to residents looking to boost both comfort and efficiency. Freya Phillips, RDKB’s Senior Energy Specialist, noted the enthusiastic participation from the community: “Residents have responded so positively to the program’s simplicity and ease. RDKB HomeSmart has provided a clear pathway to meaningful home improvements, and it’s exciting to see the positive impact it’s making in our community. The first year of the program has shown encouraging results and we look forward to continually improving the program to supporting even more residents in the future.”
Feedback from participants has been highly positive, with residents praising the program’s personalized support and clear guidance. Raven Atherton, RDKB’s Retrofit Program Coordinator, shared: “The highlight of this first year has been speaking with the residents of the Kootenay Boundary who are eager to learn about available retrofit options and are open to new approaches for implementing them. It’s been gratifying to see participants successfully start and complete their projects, big or small. Our team is there at every step, ensuring they feel supported and have access to the available benefits.
One participating resident said, “Thanks to RDKB HomeSmart, I now have a solid plan for improving my home’s efficiency and reducing our energy costs. The support I received—from discussing options to finding the right rebates—has been invaluable.” Another noted the convenience, adding, “The guidance from RDKB staff made all the difference; I felt equipped with the right knowledge and confident throughout the entire process.”
Freya Phillips commented, “Our residents are at the heart of RDKB HomeSmart. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the program’s positive impact on homes in our region and to know we’re building a more resilient, climate-ready community.”
Residents interested in learning more about RDKB HomeSmart and exploring energy-efficient and resilient upgrades for their homes are encouraged to reach out to the team via phone at 250.368.0284 or by email at homesmart@rdkb.com. They are also encouraged to head to https://homesmart.rdkb.com/ to explore RDKB’s new HomeSmart Guide and enter the ‘Read to Win’ RDKB HomeSmart Challenge for their chance to get their hands on a pre- and post- EnerGuide Assessment Prize worth approximately $1,000.
About RDKB HomeSmart
The RDKB HomeSmart program, launched in January 2024, provides a free, personalized service designed to guide residents in the Kootenay Boundary region towards energy-efficient, climate-resilient home improvements. By simplifying the process and connecting residents with rebates, assessments, and local contractors, RDKB HomeSmart promotes long-term sustainability and energy savings across the region.
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