Karen discussing community issues with local resident

Conserve Energy – Save money!
Conserving energy is a practical step that everyone can take to be environmentally friendly, and it saves money! The City of Toronto through its Energy Efficiency Office (EEO) can give you practical steps towards energy efficiency practices that everyone can apply in their daily lives. Energy efficiency is a responsible way homeowners to save money, conserve our natural resources and protect our environment. In fact, many environmentalists recognize energy efficiency as a win-win opportunity for all parties. The Energy Efficiency Office at the City of Toronto has a mandate to develop and implement a comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation strategy for the city.

Green$aver, a not-for-profit, community-based organization has been helping homeowners in our area. It’s mission is to motivate and facilitate the process of maximizing the energy efficiency of Toronto homes. During a three-hour appointment, a Green$aver advisor will conduct an Energuide for Houses energy evaluation using computerized blower-door technology and other measuring devices to gauge air flow exchanges, identify energy losses and areas of potential improvement. This, now national, program provides cash incentives of up to $3,348 to individual homeowners who qualify by having an assessment and making the recommended energy efficiency improvements.

Renovating this year?
As Spring roles into Ward 16, residents are thinking about renovations and home improvements. If you are planning to renovate you may need a building pemit. In many cases, your designer or contractor will get permits on your behalf. But remember, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.

By obtaining a permit, you can take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. Inspectors are good sources of information and can offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur. They have extensive hands-on experience, so try to be around during their visits.
You need a building permit if you plan to:

- construct a new building
- renovate, repair or add to a building
- demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
- change a building's use
- install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
- make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
- build a garage, balcony or deck
- excavate a basement or construct a foundation
- install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
- reconstruct a chimney.