North Coast
Home Adaptations for On-Reserve Aboriginal Seniors Independence Program (HASI)
Assistance is a forgivable loan of up to $3,500. The loan does not have to be repaid as long as the homeowner agrees to continue to occupy the unit for the loan forgiveness period, which is six months. If the adaptation work is being done on a rental unit, the landlord must agree that rents will not increase as a result.
The adaptations should be minor items that meet the needs of seniors with an age-related disability. They could be: handrails, easy-to-reach work and storage areas in the kitchen, lever handles on doors, walk-in showers with grab bars, bathtub grab bars and seats.
All adaptations should be permanent and fixed to the dwelling.
Sponsoring agency:
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Type of agency:
Federal government
Eligibility
Homeowners and landlords may qualify for assistance as long as the occupant of the dwelling where the adaptations will be made meets the following eligibility criteria:
- is 65 and over;
- has difficulty with daily living activities brought on by ageing;
- total household income is at or below a specified limit for your area;
- dwelling unit is a permanent residence.
IMPORTANT: Work carried out before the loan is approved in writing is not eligible for funding under this program.
If your home requires extensive modifications, such as wider doorways and increased space for wheelchair manoeuvring, consult the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities.
In some areas of Canada, funding for these or similar programs is provided jointly by the Government of Canada, and the provincial or territorial government. In these areas, the provincial or territorial housing agency may be responsible for delivery of the programs. Program variations may also exist in these areas.
Application deadline
This program will continue until further notice.
Application procedure
Please phone 1-800-668-2642 for more information or visit the CHMC website for other contact information
Contact information
Senior’s (and Persons with Disabilities) Rental Housing Program
The Province provides capital funding for the construction of the homes. As housing sites for this initiative must be provincially or municipally-owned, local governments are being asked to consider offering municipally-owned sites for development. BC Housing is also identifying potential properties held by its land holding company, the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation , for the purposes of this initiative.
The coordination the construction of all developments funded through this initiative will be carried out by BC Housing in consultation with partners. The developments will be managed by a local non-profit housing provider. Non-profit operators will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, maintenance and management of the housing. Operating subsidies, if required, will be provided by BC Housing.
All new buildings will be required to meet or exceed energy efficiency requirements, such as the energy performance standard of EnerGuide 80, the use of Energy Star rated products, and an overall reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions as per the requirements of Bill 44, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act.
Sponsoring agency:
BC Housing Management Corporation (BCHMC), Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC),
Type of agency:
Federal government
Provincial government
Eligibility
This initiative targets low-income households who are:
- Seniors, defined as single persons age 55 and older or couples where at least one person is aged 55 or older. Persons with disabilities in receipt of a recognized disability pension, or considered disabled for income tax purposes. For couples, one person must meet these criteria.
Application procedure
A Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) will be issued by BC Housing for housing sites where non-profit housing providers have yet to be identified.
The program is an extension of the Affordable Housing Initative (AHI) and is running only 2009-2010.
Contact information
Website:
e: BC Housing SRH Initiative
BC Housing Endowment Fund
The annual investment revenue of approximately $10 million a year will be paid out in keeping with the mandate and purpose of the Housing Endowment Fund.
The fund supports initiatives that:
- have the potential to be replicated elsewhere in the Province of B.C.
- are consistent with Housing Matters BC , the province's housing strategy to help those most in need
- are environmentally sustainable or "green"
- have results that may be achieved quickly
- have low risk of delays or cost overruns
- address the needs of households with low to moderate incomes
- support other government objectives
- involve logical partnerships, and
- have significant financial contributions from others, such as local government, government agencies, private and non-profit sectors, and community organizations
Sponsoring agency:
BC Housing Management Corporation (BCHMC)
Type of agency:
Provincial government
Eligibility
Application deadline
With the enormous response to the fund, the HEF is now fully subscribed. Consequently, no new proposals are being accepted at this time. We anticipate proposals will be accepted again in January 2010
Application procedure
To find to out more call 604.454.5417, or email HEFAdministrator@bchousing.org
Contact information
Telephone:
604.454.5417
Website:
BC Housing Endowment Fund
BC Hydro Energy Saving Kit
Our free energy saving kit for low-income households offers a variety of simple ways to help you save energy. By reducing how much energy you use every day, you can reduce how much you have to pay for heat and electricity. The tools in the kit will also increase the comfort of your home and help reduce our overall impact on the environment.
Housing Providers can also apply for bulk distribution of Energy Saving Kits.
Sponsoring agency:
BC Hydro
Type of agency:
Utility company
Program offerings
The kit contains a number of simple, easy-to-install energy saving products including:
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use up to 75% less energy than regular light bulbs. They can also last up to 10 years.
- Weatherstripping to put around your windows and doors and help keep out drafts. (You can find videos on draft proofing on our tips page.)
- Fridge and freezer thermometers to help you set your refrigerator and freezer at an ideal temperature where your food stays cold, but you're not wasting any extra energy.
- A low-flow showerhead that uses significantly less water than a standard showerhead.
- For a full list of the products included in the Energy Saving Kit and how to use the products, download a copy of the Energy Saving Kit instruction manual [PDF, 1.8 Mb].
Eligibility
Application deadline
Program runs from April 2008- April 2011.
Application procedure
- Determine your total household income for last year, before taxes. (The easiest way to figure this out is to look at your last income tax return – and the returns of anyone else who lives with you in your home – and add them together.)
- Call us at 604 431 9463 (Lower Mainland) or 1 877 431 9463 (elsewhere in B.C.) and say you would like to register for an Energy Saving Kit. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
- Be ready to tell us:
- your BC Hydro account number (it's on your bill),
- your total annual household income, before taxes,
- the number of people in your household, and
- where you live.
This information will be used to determine your eligibility for the program. We will not share this information with anyone else.
If you qualify, you will receive your free energy saving kit by mail in three to six weeks. Don't forget to complete the feedback survey included in your kit for your chance to win a $50 visa gift card (terms and conditions [PDF, 20 Kb]).
Contact information
Telephone:
604 224-9376 (Greater Vancouver); 1 800 224-9376 (Other Areas)
Website:
Energy Saving Kit: BC Hydro website
BC Hydro Power Smart Compressed Air Initiative
The Compressed Air Initiative focuses on optimizing large compressed air systems and may benefit your organization if you are experiencing:
- Frequent pressure drops
- Shortage of air
- High maintenance costs
- High moisture levels
- Oil carryover
Sponsoring agency:
BC Hydro
Type of agency:
Utility company
Eligibility
If you are an industrial customer that has a compressed air system greater than 200 hp, you are eligible to participate. If your compressed air system is smaller than 200 hp, there is also a Small Compressed Air Initiative (under 200 hp) offer.
Application procedure
A BC Hydro energy management engineer identifies opportunities by conducting a Compressed Air Saving Estimator (CASE) of your system. Based on the opportunities identified in the CASE, the next step would be a comprehensive investigation of your compressed air systems through an Energy Efficiency Feasibility Study.
After that, we will help you get your project off the ground by offering you financial incentives of up to 75% of the project cost. Our key account managers, engineers and pre-qualified consultants will work together to guide you through every stage of the process, from identifying and investigating efficiency opportunities to implementing successful projects.
For more information on the Compressed Air Initiative, contact your Key Account Manager or contact Customer Care at 604 453 6400 (Lower Mainland) or 1 866 453 6400 (elsewhere in BC).
Contact information
Website:
Compressed Air Initiative
ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes
Although this program is closed to new applicants, please see the City Green Home Energy Efficiency Grants for details on the LiveSmart BC homeowner grants available now.
Sponsoring agency:
Natural Resources Canada - Office of Energy Efficiency
Type of agency:
Federal government
Program offerings
This program is closed to new applicants as of March 31st, 2010. If you have already booked your initial home energy assessment, the federal government has informed us that "the program is confident that all eligible homeowners who previously entered the program by scheduling or completing a pre-retrofit evaluation will still have the opportunity to apply for and receive a grant." More information.
The service includes:
- a detailed energy evaluation of your home carried out by a licensed energy advisor
- a "blower door" test to find air leaks
- a printed report that shows where your energy dollars are being spent and what you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency
- an energy efficiency rating label that shows you how energy efficient your home is compared with others in your region
Eligibility
For single family homes, row houses, and mobile homes on permanent foundations.
Application deadline
This program is currently closed to new applicants
Application procedure
Call City Green at 1 866 381 9995 or request an assessment online.
City Green is licensed by Natural Resources Canada to perform energy assessments, and is the only non-profit provider of the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program in BC.
Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferment Program
The provincial government recently announced a new temporary program which will allow eligible homeowners facing financial hardship, and who have at least 15 per cent equity in their homes, to defer their 2009 and 2010 property taxes.
The Financial Hardship Tax Deferment Program is a loan program that allows you to defer your annual property taxes on your home if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
After deducting your Home Owner Grant, you can defer all or part of the unpaid balance of your residential property taxes for the current year. All penalties, interest, previous years' property taxes, and utility user fees must be paid to your municipal Tax Collector or the Surveyor of Taxes (rural properties), as these cannot be deferred.
Sponsoring agency:
BC Government
Type of agency:
Provincial government
Eligibility
You can defer your taxes as long as you own and live in your home and continue to qualify for the program. The deferred taxes must be fully repaid, with interest:
- before your home can be legally transferred to a new owner, other than directly to your surviving spouse
- upon the death of the agreement holder(s)
If you refinance your home, your mortgage holder may require full repayment of the deferred taxes upon refinancing. You may repay all or part of the deferred taxes and interest at any time without penalty.
Homeowners with at least 15 per cent equity in their home, based on assessed values as determined by BC Assessment, who declare that they are facing financial hardship due to current economic conditions, and who meet the program eligibility requirements, will be eligible to apply.
Restrictions
To qualify for the Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferment Program, you must:
- be the registered owner(s) of the home
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident under the Immigration Act (Canada)
- have lived in British Columbia for at least one year immediately prior to applying
- apply on the home in which you live
- have a minimum equity of 15% in your home based on assessed values as determined by BC Assessment
- have a current fire insurance policy on your home
- You must occupy the home as your principal residence. Second residences, such as summer cottages or rental properties, do not qualify for tax deferment.
- The property taxes are up to date prior to the current year Levy
- If you own your home under a registered 99 year lease or have a life estate interest in your home, you may also qualify for tax deferment.
Application procedure
Homeowners can apply for the program after the tax notices have been issued by their municipal or rural tax authorities.
- Receive your property tax notice.
- Complete the Application and Agreement for Financial Hardship Deferment of Property Taxes .
- The application form can be completed on screen and then printed out. Forms are also available at local municipal or Service BC–Government Agent offices. All registered owners must sign the deferment agreement.
- Return the completed application and agreement to your municipal or Service BC–Government Agent office for processing before the property tax due date. If you miss the due date, you have until December 31 of the current tax year to apply. Before applying, you must pay all penalties, interest, previous years' property taxes, utility user fees, as these cannot be deferred. Only outstanding taxes can be deferred, so if you have already paid your taxes, you may not defer taxes for this year.
- The municipal or Service–BC Government Agent office will complete the Collector portion and forward the application/agreement to the Tax Deferment Program.
- Due to the volume of applications, you may not be notified about your application status for several months.
- If your application is approved, it becomes a signed agreement and a certified copy is registered as a lien* in the Land Title Office or, if your home is a manufactured home, in the Personal Property Registry. The lien remains in effect until the account is paid in full. Once the lien is registered, the deferment program pays your current property taxes for you.
- are found ineligible for the program
- cancel or withdraw your application for any reason before deferment program pays the taxes on your behalf
- apply for deferment after the property tax due date
- sell your home before the taxes have been paid on your behalf
Contact information
Telephone:
1-800-663-7867
Email:
ruraltax@gov.bc.ca
Website:
BC Ministry of Finance Tax Deferment
Tax Deferment Program
Ministry of Small Business and Revenue
PO BOX 9446 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9V6
BC Hydro Appliance Rebate Program
Get a mail-in rebate when you purchase select ENERGY STAR appliances between June 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011, or when funding for the program is exhausted
Sponsoring agency:
BC Hydro
Type of agency:
Utility company
Eligibility
For a limited time, the following rebates will be available on ENERGY STAR labeled appliances:
- $50 rebate for ENERGY STAR labeled clothes washers
- $50 rebate for ENERGY STAR labeled refrigerators
- $25 rebate for ENERGY STAR labeled freezers
- $25 rebate for ENERGY STAR labeled dishwashers
Restrictions
Appliance must be a model included on the “Qualifying Product List.” Signed mail-in rebate forms must be submitted within 90 days of purchase along with a proof of purchase. The appliance must be installed in a residential dwelling within the BC Hydro or City of New Westminster service areas. Download full Terms and Conditions [PDF, 26 Kb].
The appliance must be installed in a residential dwelling within the BC Hydro or City of New Westminster service areas. Download full Terms and Conditions [PDF, 26 Kb].
Application procedure
Step 1: Complete the online Power Smart Appliance Rebate Program application form
Step 2: Print your completed rebate form, attach copies of all invoices or receipts, and submit within 90 days of the appliance purchase to:
BC Hydro Power Smart Appliance Rebate Program
PO Box 9090 Station A
Surrey B.C.
V3T 5W4
Contact information
Website:
BC Hydro Appliance Rebate Program
ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat
Incentive offered to the industrial/commercial/institutional sector to install active energy-efficient solar air and/or water heating systems.
Sponsoring agency:
Natural Resources Canada
Type of agency:
Federal government
Eligibility
Businesses, industries and public institutions are eligible.
Restrictions
Solar systems must be on this list of approved options.
and use collectors from this list.
Application deadline
October 31, 2010
Application procedure
To apply, please consult the guidance document, the terms and conditions and complete the solar water application form or the solar air application form.
All forms must be signed and sent to Natural Resources Canada by fax to 613-943-6517 or by mail to the following address not later than October 31, 2010:
ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat
Renewable and Electrical Energy Division
Natural Resources Canada
615 Booth Street, Room 150, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E9
Contact information
Telephone:
1-800-622-6232
Email:
ecoenergyrhp@nrcan.gc.ca
Website:
ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat
Vancity Green Building Grant Program
The Green Building Grant Program was established in 2004 by Vancity in partnership with the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia. The program’s vision is to minimize the impacts of climate change and improve sustainable land-use practices by supporting green building initiatives in B.C. Each year, the program provides grants of up to $50,000 each to qualified recipients. Applications are accepted from charitable organizations, not-for-profit organizations and co-operatives
Sponsoring agency:
Vancity & Real Estate Foundation of BC
Type of agency:
Financial institution
Program offerings
The Green Building Grant Program will consider funding projects, which focus on:
- Building renovations or retrofits to existing buildings
- Regulatory changes that advance green building development and practice
- Education to increase the understanding and use of practical green building strategies
Eligibility
New building construction projects are not eligible. The Green Building Grant Program will accept grant applications from all B.C. based not-for-profit organizations, including cooperatives.
Application deadline
Applications are accepted once a year. Please check the VanCity website (below) for submission deadlines.
Application procedure
See Vancity's Green Building grant application information page.
Contact information
Website:
Green Building Grant Program
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