The Town of Ladysmith will continue to offer a Low-Flush Toilet Rebate for the next five years.
During the Dec. 15 council meeting, councillors directed staff to include $10,000 per year for the Low-Flush Toilet Rebate Program in the 2015-2019 Financial Plan. The program encourages residents to replace their old, large-volume-tank toilets with low-flush toilets by providing a financial incentive.
“I think it’s a great program; it’s been going on for many years,” said Coun. Joe Friesenhan.
Since 2008, property owners in Ladysmith have been able to apply for a rebate up to $75 per toilet when they replace an older toilet with a low-flush toilet.
This program is funded out of the Town’s Water Utility Fund, and in her report to council, financial services director Erin Anderson says the program’s budget amount has varied from $4,400 to $20,000, depending on anticipated demand for rebates and funds available.
The 2013 budget was $15,000, and the Town paid $9,675 in rebates.
Since the program started in 2008, the Town has provided more than $90,000 in rebates for 1,204 low-flush replacement toilets, according to Anderson.
In February 2014, council confirmed $10,000 for the low-flush program for 2014 only, with any surplus to be allocated to future years. Anderson says that as of the end of November, this program has approximately $3,000 remaining or enough for 42 toilet replacements.
“I think it’s wonderful we’ve provided $90,000 in rebates for 1,200 toilets over the life of the program,” said Coun. Steve Arnett.