Innovation and partnership are two of the values behind our work with Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaq communities to install energy efficient upgrades in 2,400 band-owned homes. These free upgrades— including insulation, heat pumps, and draft-proofing —help make homes in Mi’kmaq communities more comfortable, healthier, and less expensive to heat and cool. The program supports Mi’kmaq-preferred businesses in the community, by working with Mi’kmaq contractors to install upgrades. Over 200 homes have been upgraded already.
Our partnership with Mi’kmaq First Nations also includes large community facilities, like the Eskasoni Health Centre, and the Membertou Arena and Wellness Centre. Both buildings received Bright Building Awards for their state-of-the-art efficiency features, including air-to-water heat pumps, heat recovery ventilators and increased insulation. These upgrades create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for visitors, on top of the environmental benefits and energy-saving opportunities.
“I find the heat pump makes for a very comfortable house, better than fans or oil for heating. Everyone who lives in the house finds it great. They really like the heat pump and are getting used to its operations.”
Georgie Peck, Wagmatcook, Cape Breton