Over the course of 2012, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has offered incentives to residents who protect local water resources by purchasing rainwater harvesting systems and efficient toilets or by investing in energy efficiency, emission reductions, and green building practices.

“The RDN understands that providing incentives encourages the shift towards more sustainable residential housing. This benefits both the resident receiving the rebate and the community as a whole”, said RDN Chairperson Joe Stanhope. “We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from residents interested in reducing their energy usage and emissions, and protecting water”.

Due to the popularity of the programs, incentives are running out. Incentives are provided on a first come, first served basis so residents are encouraged to contact the RDN to find out which incentives remain.

2012 rainwater incentive program fully allocated

As part of the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection initiative, the RDN started an incentive program to help residents install rainwater harvesting systems with 1,000 gallons of storage or more. The program was piloted in 2011 and was offered region-wide for the first time this year.

The 2012 program launched in April, and saw immediate interest from residents across the RDN. As of this week, the funds have now been fully allocated region-wide for a total of 40 rebates of up to $750. The program is no longer open to applications this year.

2012 efficient toilet rebate

Rebates are still available for residents who replace an older, conventional toilet with a high efficiency or dual flush toilet, and are expected to last through 2012. A maximum of two $50 rebates are available to each household in the RDN that make this change to conserve water.

2012 green building incentives

Due to popular demand, all remaining funds for the 2012 Green Building incentive program are being directed toward the woodstove exchange program, incentives for home energy assessments, and rebates for residents who meet with the RDN Sustainability Coordinator to review the Sustainable Development Checklist.  These incentives are likely to run out before the end of the year, so contact the RDN to find out if incentives still remain.

All RDN incentive programs for 2013 will be considered by the RDN Board for approval in March. Please check back with the RDN in early April 2013 for information on 2013 incentive programs.

For more information about water conservation incentives, email watersmart@rdn.bc.ca or call 250-390-6560 or 250-954-3792. To learn more about Green Building incentives, email sustainability@rdn.bc.ca or call 250-390-6510 or 250-954-3798. Information about these programs is also available at www.rdn.bc.ca under Services/Energy & Sustainability/Green Buildings and Incentives.