Pocket Change Project

In east Toronto, a few members of the Pocket Community Association started a project that has inspired our work at Toronto Home Retrofits. Since launching the Pocket Change Project in 2017, a growing group of residents has united in their mission to support one another in retrofitting their homes for a more sustainable future. Supported by local architect Paul Dowsett, the Pocket Change team has fostered a warm and collaborative spirit, turning what can often feel like an overwhelming task into a shared adventure.

The journey began with a simple idea: to support homeowners wishing to reduce their home’s carbon pollution.

From the outset, residents understood that tackling climate change would require not only individual action but also a collective effort.

They organized educational events, workshops, neighbourhood gatherings, and community fairs, making it easy for everyone to get involved and learn about the benefits of energy retrofits. These gatherings created an environment ripe for engagement, allowing participants to share their experiences, ideas, and challenges.

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From a handful of early adopters, there are now dozens of Pocket “Changemakers” who have stepped up and taken action. The impact of the Pocket Change Project was clear, with some standout achievements (as of October 2024):

• 29 heat pumps have been installed

• 21 homes have made building envelope improvements

• 10 homes have gotten off gas and are fully electric!

  
  

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​Each Changemaker inspires others as they share stories of how these changes have made their homes more comfortable while significantly reducing gas usage and energy waste. The satisfaction of knowing their homes are performing better and reducing their environmental impact has inspired even more neighbours to consider retrofitting.

Those who are all-electric have celebrated the newfound freedom from gas bills and monthly service charges and are enjoying the peace of mind that comes with using clean energy.

While the achievements are remarkable, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Many homeowners initially felt overwhelmed by the financial and technical barriers associated with retrofitting. However, the Pocket Change Project tackled these obstacles by guiding homeowners to resources and hands-on support. The sense of community has encouraged residents to seek help and share insights, making the retrofit process feel much more approachable.

To symbolize their commitment to clean energy, homeowners proudly display “Changemaker” signs in their yards, indicating their participation in this exciting movement. These signs serve as powerful reminders of what’s possible when neighbours support one another in their quest for environmental responsibility.

​The Pocket Change Project stands as a testament to the idea that local action can drive significant change. By harnessing the power of community, residents have demonstrated that collective efforts can lead to a healthier, more sustainable future. As they continue to support one another, they show that when neighbours come together, they can create lasting impact and foster a greener world—one step at a time!