African Nova Scotian Communities Retrofit Program
Run by Efficiency Nova Scotia (EfficiencyOne) · Also called ANSC Retrofit
The African Nova Scotian Communities Retrofit Program provides free heat pumps, insulation, air sealing and more for homeowners in North Preston, East Preston and other areas, Nova Scotia. You need an energy assessment before any work starts.
Cost to you
$0
Verified
You apply on efficiencyns.ca
At a glance
| Maximum amount | Free assessment; free upgrades for low- to moderate-income households |
|---|---|
| Funding type | Free upgrade |
| Status | Open |
| Who can apply | Homeowners, Income-qualified |
| Energy assessment required | Yes, before you start |
| Income-tested | Partly: a higher tier is for income-qualified households |
| Deadline | No end date published |
| Where | North Preston, East Preston and other areas, Nova Scotia |
| Level | Provincial |
| Run by | Efficiency Nova Scotia (EfficiencyOne) |
| Official page | efficiencyns.ca/programs-rebates/african-nova-scotian-communities-retrofit-program |
| Last verified | |
| Verified by | Rebate Researcher, RebateHub |
| Confidence | HighEvery figure matches the official program pages. |
African Nova Scotian Communities Retrofit Program. RebateHub.ca, https://rebatehub.ca/rebates/ns-african-nova-scotian-communities-retrofit#key-facts. Last verified October 12, 2026. Official source: https://www.efficiencyns.ca/programs-rebates/african-nova-scotian-communities-retrofit-program
What you can get
| Upgrade | What you get | Up to |
|---|---|---|
| Home energy assessment, upgrade advice and energy-efficient product installationFreeAvailable to eligible homeowners at any income level | Free | Varies |
| Insulation, weatherproofing, oil-to-heat-pump switch and other recommended upgradesTypically no costMeasures vary by home; some costs may apply for certain upgrades | Typically no cost | Varies |
How it works
Efficiency Nova Scotia launched this program in late 2024 as a pilot in two communities with deep African Nova Scotian roots: Preston Township (North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook and Lake Loon) and the Guysborough area (Sunnyville, Lincolnville, Upper Big Tracadie, Monastery and Mulgrave).
Eligible homeowners above the income limits may still receive a free home energy assessment, expert advice and installation of energy-efficient products. Households within the low- to moderate-income limits can also get insulation and weatherproofing, a switch from oil heating to a heat pump and other upgrades. The program is typically free for eligible participants, although some costs may apply for certain upgrades and income levels.
In 2026 the program received extra federal and provincial money under the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program; eligibility rules did not change.
Who qualifies
- You are an African Nova Scotian homeowner, or someone living in the home such as a spouse or partner is African Nova Scotian
- The home is in North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook, Lake Loon, Sunnyville, Lincolnville, Upper Big Tracadie, Monastery or Mulgrave
- You can show ownership with a property assessment or tax bill, or a legal certificate confirming you are the rightful owner
- For the full upgrade package, after-tax household income at or below: 1 person $37,260; 2 people $77,050; 3 people $98,900; 4 people $120,750; 5+ people $126,500 (line 23600 minus line 43500)
How to apply
Step 1: Complete the contact form on the program page, email ansc@efficiencyns.ca, or ask for a paper application
Step 2: The team contacts you to discuss supports and, if needed, sends an application
Step 3: Provide proof of income (CRA Notice of Assessment for every adult) and proof of ownership when asked
Related programs
- Last verified October 12, 2026OpenFederalCanada-wide
Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program
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HomeWarming
Lower-income Nova Scotia homeowners can get a free home energy assessment and free upgrades such as insulation, draft-proofing and heat pumps, installed by contractors that Efficiency Nova Scotia arranges.
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