Through the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program, the Regional District of Nanaimo is now providing incentives to residents who protect local water resources by purchasing rainwater harvesting systems and efficient toilets. The RDN has also renewed its Green Building Incentive Program in the RDN Electoral Areas and the District of Lantzville, with the goal of encouraging residents to invest 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 Deputy Chairperson Diane Brennan. "We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from residents interested in reducing their energy usage and emissions, and protecting water."

Up to $750 is available for residents of all four municipalities and seven Electoral Areas who purchase and install a 1,000 gallon cistern for rainwater capture. In addition, a $50 rebate is available for Electoral Area residents who replace a conventional toilet with a dual flush or high-efficiency alternative.

Green Building Incentives are available to residents for upgrading old wood stoves, installing domestic solar hot water systems, grading site-cut timber for use in construction, conducting home energy assessments and installing a residential electric vehicle charging station. In addition to these incentives, a $50 rebate is available for residents who meet with the RDN's Sustainability Coordinator to review the Sustainable Development Checklist and submit a completed checklist with their Development or Building Permit application. Those who achieve a high score on the Sustainable Development Checklist can be eligible for an additional incentive ranging in value from $500 to $1000.

Incentives are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Unless otherwise stated on the RDN website, purchases must be made after the Program start date of May 1st 2012. Participants will need to show specific proof of the actions undertaken in order to receive the related incentive. (Pre-approval is required to claim rainwater harvesting incentives).

For more information, email sustainability@rdn.bc.ca, visit www.rdnrebates.ca or call 250-390-6560 or 250-954-3792 (water protection incentives) or 250-390-6510 or 250-954-3798 (Green Building incentives). Residents in the City of Nanaimo, the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach may contact their local governments for information on other incentive programs that may be available to them.