Fall/Winter 2023 Climate Action Update
Heat Pump Financing Program
We have only a few spaces left in our heat pump financing program! You may be eligible for 0% interest financing to replace your fossil fuel air space heating system with an electric heat pump. Our program enables Central Saanich homeowners to fund up to $12,000 of the cost of getting off oil, propane or natural gas heating through an interest-free loan repaid on property tax bills over 10 years.
For more information and space availability contact our Climate Action Coordinator at climate@csaanich.ca or 250.652.4444 ext. 2224. CSaanich.ca/HomeRebates
Home energy retrofit rebates
There are some great rebates available from federal and provincial governments to help residents take steps to reduce energy use and emissions and create a more comfortable home. Don’t miss out…take advantage of these great savings while they are here:
- Fossil fuel home heating: rebates of up to $12,450 (or more for income-qualified residents!) to switch from oil, propane, or natural gas to an electric heat pump.
- Wood home heating: rebates of $1,000-$2,000 to switch from wood as your primary fuel for heating to electric heat pumps
- Water heating
- Building envelope (insulation, windows and doors)
- Bonus offers for those who complete multiple upgrades
For information on current federal, provincial and local top-up rebates please visit: CSaanich.ca/HomeRebates
Free Home Energy Navigator Program
Feeling overwhelmed about starting an energy retrofit for your home and understanding the rebate process? Free support service is available to help! An Energy Concierge will support you through your retrofit project to answer questions, give local and expert advice, and help you navigate the complex world of home energy retrofits and rebates. For more information visit Home Energy Navigator, email info@homeenergynav.ca, or call 1-866-381-9995.
Business EV Charger Grant
Central Saanich's new Business Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grant helps businesses and other eligible organizations install EV chargers for public use. Participants are encouraged to combine this grant with other rebates that may be available. Participating businesses may also choose to charge drivers for the time they spend hooked up to the charger.
To learn more about EV chargers, whether your site is suitable and how to seek pre-approval for grant eligibility, visit CSaanich.ca/EVchargergrant
Business Bike Rack program
The District has a limited stock of public bike racks available to eligible businesses and organizations at no cost. Help support active transportation in the community and ensure bike parking is an option for your customers/visitors. Contact us at climate@csaanich.ca or 250.652.4444 ext. 2224 to let us know you are interested.
Local garbage haulers and recycling/yard waste drop-off locations
Check out our new waste reduction (at-a-glance) page on the District’s website, to help you find information about local garbage haulers or where you can bring recycling/yard waste. Taking steps to reduce waste going to the landfill is one thing you can do for the environment. Reduce emissions further by composting your yard and garden waste at home!
BC Step Code (Energy + Zero Carbon) Updates
There are now two different Step Codes as part of the BC Building Code; the Energy Step Code and the new Zero Carbon Step Code. While related, they are separate compliance paths that local governments may use to require a high level of energy efficiency and/or reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new construction.
Why is this important? Currently, new residential construction must meet Energy Step 3 (Commercial buildings are at Energy Step 2) and as of November 2023, new house construction (and similar residential) will need to be designed and constructed to meet the Zero Carbon levels as well. It is increasingly important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings in order to meet the targets outlined in the District's Climate Leadership Plan. Learn more about what this means for homeowners at CSaanich.ca/BCStepCode
Upcoming FREE Live Green Webinars for Residents
CRD staff will be hosting a variety of webinars and workshops over the next few months that will help residents prepare and adapt their outdoor spaces for the changing climate. Topics include gardening with native plants, converting lawns to meadows, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens and building healthy soils.
For more information visit Live Green | CRD.
Compost Education Centre Fall/Winter Workshops!
Learn about composting – a living soil amendment rich in nutrients and microorganisms – how to make your own backyard composter, gardening or growing vegetables at a workshop. 2023 Public Adult Workshop Series – Compost Education Centre. Have just a question about composting or gardening? Feel free to contact the Compost Education Centre’s hotline: 250-386-9676, Wed-Sat. 10-4pm.
Preparing our community for future climate emergencies
We’re receiving $270,000 from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaption program to help reduce risks from future disasters related to natural hazards and climate change. This project will better equip the community to plan for and respond to climate-related emergencies like floods and extreme weather.
Central Saanich has also received a grant from Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to develop a strategy to help identify and understand risks of extreme heat, decrease vulnerabilities and improve capabilities for the District and its residents.
Local Climate Leadership celebrated at UBCM
We're thrilled to be recognized alongside our colleagues at the City of Victoria, District of Saanich and the Capital Regional District, by the Community Energy Association for our work engaging with building professionals on a regional approach to adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code and reducing home energy emissions in new buildings. Read more at Community Energy Association
