Vancouver Island/ Coast

Lake Cowichan Low Flush Toilet Rebate Program

The Town of Lake Cowichan will send a rebate cheque for residential installations to the applicant, individual or company. Rebates are $70 for each low flush and $100 for each dual flush toilet, to a lifetime maximum of two rebates per residence.

Sponsoring agency: Town of Lake Cowichan
Type of agency: Local government

Eligibility

  • The rebate program applies to existing residences connected to the municipal water supply in the Town of Lake Cowichan. Commercial properties are not eligible.
  • Toilets being replaced must not exceed the maximum of 6 liters per flush must be CSA approved.
  • Must submit receipt(s) for new toilet purchases.
  • Must recycle old toilet(s) and submit receipt for proof of disposal from Lehigh Recycling at 343E Bay Street, Victoria. Alternatively, the old toilet can be taken to the public works office at 7 Grosskleg Way, and a receipt obtained. However, the rebate will be reduced by $15 in these instances.
  • Must fill out and submit application form for rebate.
  • There is a lifetime maximum of 2 rebates per residence.

Application procedure

To obtain the rebate, the following documentation must be provided.
  1. Complete the rebate application form
  2. Recycling Receipts from Lehigh Recycling at 343 E Bay Street, Victoria, for the old toilet; and
  3. Receipts confirming purchase of new toilets (the receipts should include the name and address of the applicant).

As an alternative to item 2, the old toilet can be taken to the public works office at 7 Grosskleg Way, and a receipt obtained. The rebate will be reduced by $15 in these instances.

Please submit your documentation to

Town of Lake Cowichan
P.O. Box 860
39 South Shore Road
Lake Cowichan, BC
V0R 2G0



Contact information

Telephone: 250-749-6681


Comox Valley Toilet Rebate Program



Sponsoring agency: Comox Valley Regional District
Type of agency: Local government

Eligibility

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) toilet rebate program has expired. Please check the CVRD website for updates on a potential new, expanded program for 2010.

Contact information



Cowichan Valley Toilet Replacement Rebate Program

The (Cowichan Valley Regional District) CVRD is offering a $75 rebate for toilet replacement.

Sponsoring agency: Cowichan Valley Regional District
Type of agency: Local government

Eligibility

  • This rebate is only offered to CVRD residents who are connected to the CVRD sewer or water system.
  • Life time maximum of two rebates per residential dwelling. Rebate of $75 per toilet.
  • Rebate will only apply when toilets using 13 liters of water or more per flush are replaced with a new CSA-Approved low flow model.
  • Toilets may be installed by the resident or by a licensed plumber.
  • Must dispose old toilet properly.
  • Contact 250-746-2530 to confirm eligibility

Application procedure

Application forms can be downloaded from the CVRD website or can be picked up at the following locations:
Cowichan Valley Regional District Engineering Services Department
175 Ingram Street
Duncan BC V9L 1N8

Bings Creek Solid Waste Complex
9300 Drinkwater Road
Duncan BC

Peerless Road Drop-off Depot
10830 Peerless Road
Ladysmith BC

Meade Creek Drop-off Depot
8855 Youbou Road
Lake Cowichan BC
  • Be sure to keep a copy of sales receipt.
  • Ensure proper dispose of old toilet(s). Toilets can be disposed of for a nominal fee at any of the CVRD collection facilities.
  • Mail or drop off completed application form to the main CVRD collection facilities.
  • Enclose a copy of the purchase receipt, as well as proof of disposal receipt.
  • Rebate cheques are mailed within 6 weeks.


Contact information

Telephone: 250-746-2634


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.
The deferred taxes will not have to be paid back to the Province until the homeowner sells their home or makes a registered change to ownership other than to a surviving spouse. However, the deferred balance owing may be paid back earlier without penalty.

Application procedure

Homeowners can apply for the program after the tax notices have been issued by their municipal or rural tax authorities.
  1. Receive your property tax notice.
  2. Complete the Application and Agreement for Financial Hardship Deferment of Property Taxes .
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. The municipal or Service–BC Government Agent office will complete the Collector portion and forward the application/agreement to the Tax Deferment Program.
  6. Due to the volume of applications, you may not be notified about your application status for several months.
  7. 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.
You must pay late payment penalty charges if, after the property tax due date, 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
Once you have been approved and enrolled in the Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferment program, you will be sent a statement of account and a renewal application the following year.

Contact information

Telephone: 1-800-663-7867

Tax Deferment Program Ministry of Small Business and Revenue PO BOX 9446 STN PROV GOVT Victoria, BC V8W 9V6

Terasen Gas Bill Credit for Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast

Terasan Gas is crediting customers $250 on their gas bill when customers install an ENERGY STAR® natural gas furnace or boiler or condensing combination system used for both space and hot water heating, between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. Coupons up to $600, also available.

Sponsoring agency: Terasan Gas
Type of agency: Utility company

Eligibility

  • You must be a residential Terasen Gas Vancouver Island Inc. (Terasen Gas) customer at time of purchase and credit processing. One $250 credit per Terasen Gas account. No cash value. Credits are not transferable.
  • Terasen Gas credits will be credited to your Terasen Gas account.
  • Offer limited to current residential customers of Terasen Gas. This offer is not available to customers in Whistler.
  • Credit applies to one installed ENERGY STAR® natural gas central heating system (forced-air furnace rated 90 per cent AFUE or higher; a boiler rated 85 per cent AFUE or higher; or a condensing combination system used for both space and hot water heating).
  • Please allow up to 90 days for credit processing.
  • All work must be completed by a BC Safety Authority gas contractor, or a homeowner under the requirements of the gas safety regulations. You can only obtain a permit as a homeowner if you reside in, and are doing the work on a detached single family dwelling. You will need approval from the BC Safety Authority or local gas inspection authority before beginning the work. When you receive approval you’ll also receive a Certificate of Inspection. You must submit a copy of this certificate to Terasen Gas as proof of inspection and completion of the installation. All work must be done in accordance with all applicable codes and standards.
  • Invoices and work orders must have the BC Safety Authority registration number, make and model number of qualifying natural gas heating unit and date of installation.
  • Terasen Gas offer valid only for purchases and installations completed between April 16, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
  • To be eligible for the credit, the customer must return a copy of the invoice or work order that contains the date of installation and details of all work performed along with a completed Terasen Gas credit application form.
  • Completed credit application form and invoices or work order must be received by March 31, 2010 to be eligible.

Application deadline

March 31, 2010

Application procedure

To be eligible for the credit, the customer must return a copy of the invoice or work order that contains the date of installation and details of all work performed along with a completed Terasen Gas credit application form.

Completed credit application form and invoices or work order must be received by March 31, 2010 to be eligible.

A copy of the invoice must be included. Send completed application form and a copy of your new furnace/boiler invoice or work order by March 31, 2010 to:

Terasen Gas ENERGY STAR
Heating System Upgrade Offer
P.O. Box 48230
Vancouver, BC V7X 1N8

For coupons up to $600, visit www.terasengas.com or call 1-866-585-5715 to request them by mail.



Contact information

Telephone: 1-866-585-5715


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



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

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


Terasen Gas Energy Assessment Program

Energy is a valuable business resource, and reducing inefficiencies in energy consumption is as important to us as it is to you. That's why Terasen offers a free energy assessment to qualified businesses.

The assessment may also include:

  • equipment upgrade recommendations
  • information about payback periods
  • information on rebates or other incentives that may be available



Sponsoring agency: Terasen Gas
Type of agency: Utility company

Eligibility

Businesses located in the Lower Mainland, Squamish or the Interior that spend more than $20,000 are qualified to receive our free energy assessment.

Application procedure

  1. Download and complete the Energy Assessment Form for your type of business.
  1. Fax the form back to us at 604-576-7122.
  2. With the approval of your application, we'll have an energy efficiency consultant visit your site and make recommendations. The site visit generally takes a couple of hours. We recommend that one of your employees accompany the consultant.

    Shortly after, you'll receive the Terasen consultant's written assessment and recommendations to improve your business' energy efficiency.


Contact information

Telephone: 1-888-477-0777


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
Applicants are required to include an educational component that encourages green building initiatives by sharing the benefits of their project with the public and other practitioners. We encourage partnerships between organizations (government, business and not-for-profit) that enhance cooperation, improve the effectiveness of projects and enable further green building development.

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


Contact information


Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.


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