In light of a directive from the province for municipalities to consider water-saving measures, the Town of Rocky Mountain House has introduced a proposal for residents to receive a rebate on the purchase of rain barrels.
Modelling a similar program already in place in the town of Olds, Town officials say residents can receive a $50 rebate on the purchase of a new rain barrel as long as they provide proof of purchase and installation.
Officials say the rebate would then be issued as a cheque or appear reflected on the applicant’s next utility bill.
Councillor Len Phillips says while Rocky Mountain House has plenty of water at the moment, water retention measures not only have the potential to help communities downstream, and get ahead of the game should the province mandate water restrictions.
Phillips adds, people need only to look at recent news from Calgary to see the importance of water retention.
“I was able to talk to the mayor of Calgary personally about it,” say Phillips. “It’s something that can happen to any municipality. Aging infrastructure isn’t something that’s unique to Calgary. When it happens, it’s too late. You can’t put water barrels in place at that point.”
Phillips points out that outdoor watering was a restriction that was announced early following Calgary’s water main break, something that could’ve been potentially mitigated for residents if more water retention were in place, such as water barrels.
In the proposed plan, the entire cost for the rebates would be capped at $2000, a sum CAO Dean Krause says was not budgeted for in 2024, however the Town could pull from water reserves to fund the rebates for the balance of the year. The Town could then consider budgeting for it in 2025.
A draft policy is set to be presented before council during their June 18 regular meeting.
Comments