Efficiency Program Changes in the Public Sector (2025)

Retrofit Program Cuts and Funding Loss

450+ public-sector retrofit projects (schools, hospitals, social housing) paused or canceled since Bill 5. Provincial co-funding previously covered 30–50% of project costs. Sources: OPSBA, Ontario Hospital Association, IESO

Emissions and Energy Use in Public Buildings

Public building emissions rose 11.3% year-over-year (Q1 2024-Q1 2025). Projected annual CO₂e savings from deferred upgrades: 41,000 tonnes. Sources: IESO, municipal infrastructure offices

Utility Bill Increases by City and Sector

Utility bills in Toronto, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, and Windsor rose 8-14% after program cuts. Sources: OPSBA, Ontario Hospital Association

Equity and Regional Program Loss

120,000 households lost access to affordability and Indigenous energy programs. In some northern communities, these programs comprised 50-60% of annual retrofit activity. Sources: ONWA, Chiefs of Ontario, OPSBA

Land Use and Biodiversity Consequences

1,200+ ha of protected wetlands reclassified for development; 17% of significant wetlands now at risk. Sources: Conservation Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources

Data: OPSBA, Ontario Hospital Association, IESO, ONWA, Chiefs of Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources, June 2025.

Efficiency Program Changes in the Public Sector