National

B.C., Ottawa put up nearly $254M to expand heat pump rebates

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 May, 2024 02:52 PM

The B.C. and federal governments have set aside nearly $254 million to expand rebates to convert home heating and cooling systems to more climate-friendly options with a focus on low- and middle-income households.

A joint statement from Environment Canada and B.C.'s Energy Ministry says Ottawa is providing up to $103.7 million while the province is adding up to $151 million to increase the number of households eligible for upgrades.

Call for Power ⚡️Youth in BC are listening. #bcpoli

Always energized speaking with young people about shift to clean renewables. #Solar #Wind #CleanBC Thanks to VicHigh students and @GraceALore pic.twitter.com/vH52Dvtf6F
— George Heyman (@GeorgeHeyman) May 13, 2024

It says income-qualified applicants could receive up to $16,000 to switch to high-efficiency heat pumps in homes currently heated with oil, and the federal government's latest support means homes heated with natural gas and propane may also be eligible.

The statement says it represents a 70-per-cent increase in support from B.C.'s pre-existing rebate program.

People living in northern B.C. may be able to access an additional $3,000, and homes that require electrical upgrades may qualify for a rebate of up to $5,000, meaning the highest potential rebate is $24,000.

The B.C. government adds that its CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings program also provides funding for upgrades such as the installation of energy-efficient windows and doors, as well as insulation and ventilation.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Ottawa 'urgently' waiting for info from B.C. before deciding on drug criminalization

The province is one year into a three-year pilot project to decriminalize possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. A Health Canada exemption was issued to allow the pilot to proceed. Last week, B.C. Premier David Eby asked Health Canada to recriminalize the use of those drugs in public spaces, such as hospitals and parks. Possession in private spaces would still

Ottawa 'urgently' waiting for info from B.C. before deciding on drug criminalization

Dental care program accepting claims for 1 million seniors

Citizens' Services Minister Terry Beech says 1,200 seniors have already visited a dentist and had their claims processed by the federal government's new dental care plan. He says 1 million seniors received their benefits card and are eligible to make claims under the program as of today.

Dental care program accepting claims for 1 million seniors

B.C. woman arrested over speech that praised Hamas attack

Police say a 44-year-old woman has been arrested in a hate-crime investigation over a speech in Vancouver that praised the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. A statement from the Vancouver Police Department says the woman "referred to a number of terrorist organizations as heroes."

B.C. woman arrested over speech that praised Hamas attack

Safety gear, training, helped B.C. wildfire pilot survive crash, safety board says

A Transportation Safety Board report says experience, recent training and safety equipment were key factors in a pilot surviving the crash of a firefighting plane south of Cranbrook in August 2022. The report says the pilot was alone in the Air Tractor AT-802A aircraft and had just finished his eighth water drop when the engine suddenly lost power, with no time to recover because of the low altitude.

Safety gear, training, helped B.C. wildfire pilot survive crash, safety board says

London Drugs closure continues due to cybersecurity incident

London Drugs is investigating whether personal data was breached in a cybersecurity incident that has prompted the company to close its stores across Western Canada until further notice. A statement from the Richmond-based retailer and pharmacy chain says it will notify "affected individuals" if the probe finds their data was breached.

London Drugs closure continues due to cybersecurity incident

Early morning shooting in Langley

Police are investigating after a man with a gunshot wound was found on the side of the road in Langley, east of Vancouver, early this morning. R-C-M-P say the victim was conscious and breathing when first responders arrived and transported him to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.