The Clarks' Story

Note: To protect the participants’ privacy, business details and real names have been omitted from this story. Their favourite feline, Luke Skywalker, is featured above.

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The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as Michelle and Ralph Clark welcome the Home Upgrades Program team into their bright and sunny Canmore home. Since purchasing their home in 1998, the Clarks have witnessed the town’s rapid growth and rise in tourism. Today, they own and operate a popular business in the heart of Canmore, an endeavour that has benefited many Bow Valley residents, but also required the Clarks to divert much of their savings into business start-up costs

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They began their journey as local entrepreneurs working from home. By 2015, demand for their services prompted an expansion and with help from their family, they poured their savings into a small commercial unit. During this period, Ralph was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease.

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Between navigating Ralph’s illnesses and their increasingly busy work schedule, the Clarks realized they needed help. They sold their unit, moved their business to a new location, and hired a few employees. Recognizing the few affordable housing options in Canmore, the Clarks re-opened their business in a location where employees could make use of a small kitchen and bathroom. This was a gamechanger for employees, allowing staff members like Kenzo to live in their van while retaining employment.

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But despite owning a home and a successful business, the Clarks remain in a tight financial situation.

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“We’re one of those couples who have a house, but are cash-poor,” says Michelle.

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As homeowners, they hadn’t considered the Town of Canmore’s Affordable Services Program – at least not until the town announced a new rebate on e-bikes. When they went in to apply for the rebate, they were encouraged to also apply for support from the Home Upgrades Program.

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“They [Town of Canmore employee] said: you should really apply for this other part of the program, which is the Home Upgrades Program. [...] There's not many people that are in your position that own a house and whose income is really low,” recalls Michelle.

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They figured the application was worth a shot. The Clarks’ furnace, original to their 1998 home, had already broken down several times at that point, even giving out around Christmas during a cold spell, costing them more in repairs. Meanwhile, their basement suite was so cold that their roommate was forced to use an electric heater, further driving up utility bills. Adding to the discomfort was a lack of adequate insulation that inspired Ralph to explore creative solutions.

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“Ralph’s actually stuffed hard pieces of insulation underneath the couch, and then put a blanket because it’s so cold.”

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Since applying to the program, the Clarks’ home has been upgraded with a new high-efficiency furnace and air sealing measures, and their attic insulation was topped up to meet R50 standards. Like many HUP participants, the Clarks also enquired about the longevity and durability of their new high-efficiency furnace.

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“There's a 10-year parts warranty and 1-year labour warranty, so that’s covered. They [high-efficiency furnaces] tend to last about 15-20 years, and we're starting to see some of the older ones now last 20 years plus,” explained HUP’s Calgary construction manager, Patrick Strey.

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Maintaining their furnace by changing the filter regularly (about once every 1-3 months) will also increase the unit’s lifespan and help it run more efficiently.

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The Clarks’ home was upgraded thanks to generous support from the Town of Canmore.

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