City of New Westminster to host 2014 Heritage Home Workshop focused on energy performance of older homes

New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster is pleased to host the 2014 Heritage Home Workshop, featuring industry representatives from across the lower mainland. This interactive workshop will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014, and will provide attendees with tips for improving the energy performance of older homes.

The workshop, which supports the City’s Community Energy and Emission Plan (CEEP) initiative, will feature presentations on maintaining and enhancing the heritage and character elements of older homes, while improving their energy use through home upgrades. Information booths will also be on display and attended by FortisBC, BC Hydro and Vancity, highlighting the latest in utility grant and incentive programs, and financial products supporting energy retrofits.

“The purpose of the workshop is to provide the New Westminster community with a forum to connect locally, learn about these types of upgrades and share experiences,” said Julie Schueck, Heritage and Community Planner. “The benefits to upgrading your home are many (environmental, financial, energy, etc), but the challenge is finding ways to do so without losing the character elements that make your home unique. This workshop will help you find that balance.”

Local resident and homeowner, Dan Scott, has recently completed energy retrofits to his home and will be sitting on the discussion panel to share his experience.  Dan’s upgrades included insulation on his home’s perimeter walls, installation of a high efficiency furnace and air source heat pump, solar and on-demand hot water heating, double glazed insulating windows and sealing of air leaks.

“The installation of the solar water heating was very easy and only took two days, with a couple of follow up visits to make sure everything was running correctly,” said Dan. “I would encourage anyone who is considering these kinds of upgrades to go ahead and do it. We have had great results and consider them one of the best things we have done for our house.”

The workshop takes place from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at City Hall. Event registration is free, however seats are limited. To register, please contact Ryan Coleman, Project Coordinator at 604-515-3818 or