Energy Costs are increasing in Ontario -- and not likely going down soon.

Heat loss from all parts of a house

With the recent announcement of natural gas cost increases in Ontario (up to 40%), Ontario has now seen increases in Electrical, Propane, and Natural Gas costs after the coldest winter in decades.
Our phones are already ringing with people looking to increase their attic insulation, seal up the floors of cottages, and being pro-active on how they build their new homes and cottages.

You may have a house or family cottage you really love, but your energy bills are causing you to hate opening the mail!

We do a fair bit of attic top-ups and air-sealing work for organizations that try and help low-income homeowners, pensioners, and those on disability. Although these steps are helpful, the best move would have been to have proper insulation and building envelope work done in the first place---at the time of construction or renovation.
I have spoken to landlords with tenants who have walked away from leases because they couldn't pay the heating costs this past winter.

When considering your home/cottage purchase, ask to see the heating bills for this past winter (2013-2014), and count the cost of carrying those expenses.  Also, when building your new dwelling, put more thought, and budget towards your insulation and building envelope tightness. You will not regret it.