Epcor offers up to $10K in rebates through rainwater pilot program
Edmontonians could receive up to $10,000 in rebates from Epcor through a pilot program that encourages property owners to slow rainwater from flooding storm drains.
The RainWise program was launched in April and it will run for three years. Single-family, multi-family and commercial properties in Edmonton are eligible for a rebate if they build a project that meets certain eligibility requirements and slows the direct drainage of storm water.
Epcor RainWise rebate program
The Epcor RainWise program provides up to $10,000 in rebates to eligible projects that help prevent a demand on city storm systems. (Dave Mitchell/CTV News Edmonton)
Projects listed on the Epcor website include:
Downspout disconnections;
rain barrels and storage tanks;
rain gardens and box planters;
soakaway pits;
permeable pavement; and
absorbent landscaping.
'If we can slow it down, it helps prevent flooding in local areas, then ultimately for the greater city of Edmonton area,' Dale DeBock with Epcor told CTV News Edmonton on Friday.
He said up to $2,000 rebate may be approved for a multi-family project, and up to $10,000 rebate for larger commercial projects.
'We've put our money where our mouth is and we want to help the community do these projects, and we are encouraging these projects to happen,' he said, adding that Epcor has invested $300,000 for the length of the pilot.
Epcor is offering rebates for eligible property projects that slow rainwater
Homeowners can receive rebates for eligible projects through an Epcor pilot program that aims to slow rainwater from entering storm drains. (Dave Mitchell/CTV News Edmonton)
DeBock said to avoid flooding, Epcor has had to do 'expensive upgrades to storm systems' and build big pipes to 'handle' all the rainwater. He said the program incentivizes people to take initiative and explore different things they can do in their backyards, and to help avoid these added costs.
'This is an opportunity to invest in the community and people's personal part of the city that would reduce the cost … or even eliminate the need for an upgrade altogether.'
Applications can be made online. Projects that meet the eligibility requirements will receive a reply with approval. Receipts are then submitted when work is completed and homeowners will receive the rebate.
At the time of the interview, DeBock said more than 220 applications have been made since the start of the program.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa and Dave Mitchell
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