HELP is On The Way: Eligibility Criteria for the Home Energy Loan Program - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Alejandra Bravo

It is an important part of meeting our TransformTO goals. The City of Toronto's TransformTO initiative which has an ambitious target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. For existing private homes, the target is to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half, from 2008. However the program can be restrictive which reduces the maximum potential benefit. Under Bylaw 587-2022, eligibility is subject to the applicant not having any late payments on property taxes, utility bills, or other City fees or charges for the past 3 years irrespective of the amount. This can lead an unforeseen situation where some residents who made tiny errors in payments are being unintentionally excluded. One example of this is a resident in Ward 14 who applied for the Home Energy Loan Program and was denied because of two late property tax payments - one of $2.00 and one of $0.62 totaling $2.62. The resident long ago paid the outstanding balance but he is still ineligible for the Home Energy Loan Program. It should be noted that for discrepancies under $1.00 the City does not send notices.

3. City Council request the City Manager to review the eligibility requirements for the Home Energy Loan Program to allowing residents who have a minor late payment to apply as part of the report to the March 20, 2023 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.