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

Home energy retrofit rebates
There is a new tool for searching (and combining!) rebates, including:

• 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 pumps.
• 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 our local top-up rebate please visit: www.CentralSaanich.ca/HomeRebates

Heat Pump Financing Program
Reduce emissions and cool your home during longer, hotter summers!

We have just 18 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 fossil fuel heating through an interest-free loan repaid on property tax bills over 10 years. Plus, you can take advantage of some significant rebates and our new top-up offer.

This program is offered for a limited time on a first-come first serve basis – reserve your space today!

For more information contact our Climate Action Coordinator at climate@csaanich.ca or 250.652.4444 ext. 2224. www.CentralSaanich.ca/HomeRebates

Free Home Energy Navigator Program
Free support service is available to help homeowners through their home (energy) retrofit journey. An Energy Concierge will be available to 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 www.CentralSaanich.ca/EVchargergrant

Business Bike Rack program
New this spring/summer! The District will have a limited stock of public bike racks that will be 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.

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.

EVENTS
Celebrate Earth Day Weekend with us at Oak Haven Park
Join HAT and Central Saanich staff for a morning of ecosystem restoration at Oak Haven Park in celebration of the Earth Day weekend. Oak Haven Park is a stunning example of our region's iconic and endangered Garry Oak ecosystem, help support our restoration efforts to protect this very important place by coming together to remove invasive plants from the park. Refreshments, tools, and training provided by HAT and Central Saanich.

When: Sunday, April 23rd 2023
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Oak Haven Park (There is a small parking lot on Benvenuto with additional street parking on Garden Gate dr.) RSVP for the specific meeting point location to max@hat.bc.ca or sign up at: www.hat.bc.ca/Volunteer

Celebration Station at Newman Park Beach Access
Join us along the Lochside trail on June 3 from 11-1 for an e-bike demonstration, snacks and a chance to win prizes, while taking park in Spring GoByBike Week (May 29 – June 4). Be sure to Register and track your kilometers at gobybikebc.ca.

RESOURCES

Plan a beautiful yard that supports climate resilience & biodiversity

Central Saanich is already experiencing warmer summers, and these are anticipated to be hotter and drier in future. Save water – and money on your utility bills! – by choosing water-efficient species and making good use of mulch. Water-wise, or “xeriscaping”, landscaping considers the natural conditions of the environment, with a focus on native and drought-tolerant species. Don’t think this limits you to rock gardens and succulents, though – water-wise gardens can be lush, colourful, and biodiverse! Try to keep lawn spaces small and select drought-tolerant grass mixes and clover. Water lawns sparingly, and do so early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation. Lots more great tips in the CRD’s Homeowner’s Guide to Outdoor Water Use.

Choosing native species (and avoiding invasive species at all costs!) also helps our native pollinators like bees and butterflies, whose populations are crucial for the long-term health of our local agricultural lands. Lastly, avoid pesticides and harsh, GHG-intensive fertilizers and instead make use of natural soil enhancements like compost, kelp, and coffee grounds and permaculture techniques that recreate natural ecosystems to keep pests under control.

Check out more tips from Habitat Acquisition Trust in their Gardening with Native Plants guide or join a free virtual workshop on Gardening with Native Plants during April!

Keep an eye on our Natural Environment page for more information

You may be eligible for 0% interest financing to replace your fossil fuel air space heating system with an electric heat pump.

Looking to improve home comfort? Our program enables Central Saanich homeowners to fund up to $12,000 of the cost of getting off fossil fuel heating through an interest-free loan repaid on property tax bills over 10 years. Plus, you can take advantage of other rebates available right now.

Converting from your home that is primarily heated by oil, propane or a natural gas furnace or boiler to an electric heat pump helps our community reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and introduces cooling power in the face of longer, hotter summers!

Interested? Check if you are eligible and sign up today! Limited spaces are available for this pilot program.

Learn more at: CentralSaanich.ca/HeatPumpFinancing.
Email climate@csaanich.ca or 250.652.4444 ext. 2224

Over the past few years, the District has ramped up our goals and initiatives related to climate action. We’re constantly making improvements, introducing policies, and implementing initiatives – and we want to make sure you get the opportunity to learn about them and the benefits they bring to our community.

These snapshots cover a wide range of actions - buildings & infrastructure, transportation, materials & waste, lands & ecosystems, and climate adaptation - and highlight project benefits such as energy & fuel savings, GHG emissions reductions, active transport and transit, electric vehicles and e-bikes, recycling and composting, reducing printing & paper use, sustainable procurement, ecosystem rehabilitation & parks enhancements, tree planting… so many areas!

Join us for a FREE presentation to learn about the benefits of heat pumps, their benefits & available rebates!

September 24 at 2 pm REGISTER NOW

About this event. Heat pumps are the most efficient, and climate-friendly, heating and cooling system on the market today. Join friends and neighbours and learn what a heat pump is, the benefits of heat pumps, how to find a program registered contractor and what rebates, financing offers and supports are available to help you upgrade your heating system.

Did you know? There are up to $12,400 in provincial (BetterHomesbc.ca) and federal rebates when installing a heat pump and upgrading from electric, natural gas, oil, propane, and wood to a heat pump. Also, the District is offering a municipal top-up rebate of $350 if you install an electric heat pump to replace your fossil fuel hot water heater.

The event/seminar will be approximately 1 hour long with a short Q&A period following the presentation.

This event is offered by the CleanBC Community Energy Coach Program

Oil to Heat Pump Financing Program - Is your house heated by oil?

You may be eligible for 0% interest financing to replace your oil heating with an electric heat pump.
You can save money and improve home comfort! Our new program enables Central Saanich homeowners to fund up to $12,000 of the cost of getting off oil heating through an interest free loan repaid on property tax bills over 10 years. Plus, you can take advantage of other rebates available right now.
Find out more: Oil to Heat Pump Program

Heat Pump Workshop - September 24 at 2 pm

Join for a FREE presentation to learn about the benefits of heat pumps, their benefits & available rebates!
We will have a heat pump on-site so you can see one up close!

REGISTER NOW

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Top-up

Looking to switch from a fossil fuel water heater to an efficient electric heat pump water heater for your home? Central Saanich is providing a limited-time top-up rebate of $350. How to apply: Please visit the CleanBC website for more information: BetterHomesbc.ca

Bring it Home for the Climate

Getting started to improve your home’s comfort can be a daunting task for residents. The CRD Bring It Home 4 the Climate program can help. Visit bringithome4climate.ca to learn more, and register to get access to:

• Free Virtual Home Energy Check-Up
• Free Educational Workshops and Special Offers
• Plus, along with all CRD residents, access to the Free CleanBC Energy Coach Service and online resources

Check what provincial and federal energy rebates are available. There are bonus offers for two or more upgrades: BetterHomesbc.ca/rebates

Income qualified energy-saving programs

The CleanBC Income Qualified Program offers enhanced rebates to make energy-saving home upgrades more affordable based on your income. Enhanced rebates can cover 60-95% of home energy upgrade costs.

For more information please visit: CleanBC Income Qualified Program

BC Hydro offers select programs for lower income customers, such as free energy-saving kits or helping residents install energy-saving products throughout the home. To determine if you qualify, please visit: BC Hydro rebates

Energy Coaches are available to call: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Would it help to have someone walk you through energy upgrades for your home or business or help navigate the energy rebates that are out there?
Please call the free BC Energy Coach Service at: 1-844-881-9790.

We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Lukianchuk to the team! Jennifer has extensive experience in the Climate Action and Natural Environment profession, including being a registered professional Biologist, most recently with the City of New Westminster where she spent 14 years.

District withdraws from CRD Climate Action Service

At a time when climate action is absolutely critical, we need to ensure that every dollar invested is having meaningful impacts in our community. Therefore, the District has decided to stop contributing to the CRD’s Climate Action Service, which would have seen the 2022 contribution increase from $21,000 to approximately $64,000. “Although we are a small municipality, Central Saanich has been a leader in taking climate action, and we want to get the best return on our investment in this work with highly tangible results,” said Mayor Ryan Windsor.

Staff report to examine options for increasing public chargers

Council has asked staff to examine options for the District to incentivize existing commercial centres to install electric vehicle charging stations. Staff will be returning to Council with a report outlining options in the New Year. This work complements the District’s E-vehicle and e-bike strategy.

Is your house heated by oil?

You may be eligible for a 0% interest financing to replace it with an electric heat pump.

You can save money and improve home comfort! Our new program enables Central Saanich homeowners to fund the up-front cost of getting off oil heating through an interest free loan repaid on property tax bills over 10 years. Plus, you can take advantage of the rebates available right now.

Converting to a heat pump reduces the risk of oil spills and introduces cooling power in the face of longer, hotter summers!

The program is one of the first in the province. For more information contact Central Saanich at planning@csaanich.ca or 250.652.4444 or see CSaanich.ca/Climate

Orchard rejuvenated with fruit trees and native plants

Thanks to all of the community members who came out to Tree Day! We planted 12 fruit trees, 4 malus trees and a variety of native plants at Centennial Park.

A special thank you to Earl Claxton Jr, the Central Saanich Lions, and Tree Canada.

The all-ages event begins at 10 a.m. and includes:

• native plant education from elder Earl Claxton Jr. of the Tsawout First Nation
• tree planting demo by Central Saanich Parks staff
• community planting of native shrubs and edible fruit trees in the Centennial Park orchard
• community planting of trees along the Edith Cooke diamond in Centennial Park

The event will be held in the orchard area of Centennial Park near the lawn bowling club and batting cage.

“Each year Tree Appreciation Day provides skills and awareness to the community, and this year’s event will touch on two important topics,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. “I’m happy that we will have a local indigenous elder to share his knowledge with us about native plants, and adding more fruit trees to the orchard area is a wonderful way to demonstrate local food production on a public site.”

Central Saanich Council’s 2021-2022 Strategic Plan emphasizes investing climate action and a healthy natural environment. The District also heard during a recent survey that food security is a top concern of residents.

• What: Tree Appreciation Day
• Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021
• Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Location: Centennial Park (Hovey Road and Wallace Drive in Saanichton). Please meet near the lawn bowling club.
• Note: Please bring gardening gloves.

Did you know?

• One large tree can provide a day’s oxygen for up to four people.
• Trees capture carbon and become carbon ‘sinks’ which reduce the Greenhouse Effect. (You need about 500 full-sized trees to absorb the carbon dioxide produced by a typical car driven 20,000 km/year.)
• Trees provide shelter for wildlife.
• Trees intercept rainfall and reduce run-off, thereby functioning like retention/detention basins.
• Trees have a psychological impact of trees on people’s moods, emotions and enjoyment of their surroundings

Did you miss the recent presentations for Heat Pump Benefits and Rebates? How about EV 101?

Watch the video presentation of Heat Pump Benefits Presentation - presented by BetterHomesBC.
View the Electric Vehicle 101 Slideshow - presented by Emotive

These events were offered by the CleanBC Community Energy Coach Program.

Thursday, September 16 at 7 p.m. ONLINE

Approximately 65% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Central Saanich result from driving personal and commercial vehicles that use fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane).

This presentation by Emotive covers the basics of driving and shopping for electric vehicles, including the EV driving experience, types of EVs and chargers, myths and concerns.

The presentation will be delivered by Michael Stanyer from the provincial Emotive program, who has driven a variety of electric cars all over BC.

REGISTER ONLINE: https://csaanich-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pfu2srzspH9CASvHekOA4NtlE83CiJFtB

Can’t make it? The sessions will be posted on our website later this fall.