Regina residential retrofit rebate program under consideration
The City of Regina is considering implementing a rebate program to encourage energy saving and emissions reducing upgrades to residential homes.
Executive committee unanimously voted in favour of the proposed Retrofit Rebate Program moving on for discussion at the next council meeting, during proceedings Wednesday.
The proposed program aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and provide financial assistance to residents.
The municipal program would work in conjunction with the federal government’s Greener Homes Grant Program, which provides reimbursements for retrofit energy audits. Retroactive to Dec. 1, 2020, eligible Canadian homeowners can receive grants of up to $5,000, plus an additional $600 for the cost of an EnerGuide home energy evaluation.
The Regina program would match the federal program, offering up to $5,000.
“I think stacking programs that already exist raise the profile of the federal programs, raise the profile of the provincial program and we can tag onto it to make it more affordable for homeowners,” Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said Wednesday.
Masters said the project can serve as a pilot to help determine what similar programs and grants look like in the future.
“Even to take that information back to the province and to the feds in terms of some of our experience. I think that kind of collaboration on stacking programs is good overall in terms of reaching 2050. We know we need these homes retrofitted,” she said.
Eligible retrofits under the program include home insulation, air-sealing, replacing windows and doors; thermostat upgrades, space and water heating; renewable energy, including the installation of solar panels, and “resiliency measures” that protect homes from environmental damages.
Approximately 61,000 residential homes will require retrofits to meet the city’s goal of becoming 100 per cent renewable and net-zero by 2050, according to a city report.
“The speed and intensity of those retrofits are important due to the compounding and lasting effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” the city report reads.
Funding for the program’s initial implementation was approved in the 2022 budget. Approximately $6 million was set aside for the city’s Seven Big Moves, as part of the Energy & Sustainability Framework, including $200,000 to launch a residential retrofit rebate program.
The initial investment will provide between 40 and 80 rebates, according to the city report. City administration estimates more than 80 people could apply for the rebate program – which could require additional funding.
The motion recommends city council approve administration’s recommendations, which include the creation and implementation of the program, at its meeting on June 1.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.