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Everyone loves to save money!

There are a lot of programs available for new home construction and renovations, below are some links to District, BC Hydro and Fortis rebate programs.  

  • Changes to the Building Code are coming.

    New Building Act and Step Code

    The Provincial Step Code has set a goal of net zero buildings being a Building Code requirement by 2032. A net-zero building is one that produces at least as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. The Step Code is a set of five incremental performance steps for new buildings that go from the BC Building Code to net-zero energy ready buildings. By 2032, all buildings will be required to achieve this passive house energy performance level or use approximately 70% less energy than current 2016 building code standards.

    The Building Code will likely transition to this requirement with new levels for energy efficiency before 2032.

    The Sparwood Energy Step Code Policy is designed to incentivize builders choosing the performance path to BC Building Code compliance, which will assist in understanding and adapting to these anticipated changes.

    Summary of Rebates:

    • Incentive #1 - Aligning with Step 1
      • 100% contribution to a maximum of $500 provided to new home construction that complies with the BC Building Code via performance pathway (Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code). To achieve Step 1, builders need to use a whole-building energy model to calculate the energy use of the building and conduct an airtightness test, but the performance of the building only needs to be as good as the base BC Building Code requirements for energy efficiency. The District will offer a 100% contribution toward Community Energy Advisor fees (to a max of $500) as a limited, one-year offer for performance pathway compliance. The goal of this incentive is to familiarize builders with this model of measuring energy efficiency. 
         
    • Incentive #2 – Aiming for higher steps
      • Incremental building permit fee rebate for energy performance aligned with BC Energy Step Code tiers.
        • Step 2 = 50% rebate of Building Permit Fee
        • Step 3 = 75% rebate of Building Permit Fee
        • Step 4 = 100% rebate of Building Permit Fee d.
        • Step 5 = 100% rebate of Building Permit Fee
      • A building permit fee rebate will be offered in addition to the Community Energy Advisor fee (to a maximum of $500), when a home achieves energy performance aligned with Steps 2 to 5 of the BC Energy Step Code as shown above.
      • In order to receive Incentive #2, builders must apply the EnerGuide Label within their home on the electrical panel.

    The following shows two rebate examples of how building to the step code can benefit builders:

    Sample Project #1: New home, construction value of $250,000,
    achieves Step 2
    Building Permit fees $1,540
    Energy Advisor fee $500
    Total initial cost to building $2,040
    Rebates:
    50% of Building Permit fee rebate -$770
    Energy Advisor Fee rebate -$500
    Total rebate after final inspection -$1270
    NET COST TO BUILDER
    $770

    Sample Project #2: New home, construction value of $250,000,
    achieves Step 5
    Building Permit fees $1,540
    Energy Advisor fee $500
    Total initial cost to building $2,040
    Rebates:
    50% of Building Permit fee rebate -$1540
    Energy Advisor Fee rebate -$500
    Total rebate after final inspection -$2040
    NET COST TO BUILDER
    $0

    If you have any questions about either of these changes, please contact Nelson Wight, Manager of Planning at nwight@sparwood.ca or 250.425.6271. 

  • Smart New Home Program - Set your development apart by making it Power Smart. Incentives for builders, developers and builder-owners

    Rebates & Savings - Check out programs and offers to help you save on the envergy-efficient appliances, lighting and electronics

  • Rebates & Offers - A wide variety of programs are available for consumers including water heating systems, appliances and assessments

    New Home Program - In collaboration with BC Hydro Power Smart, our New Home Program encourages you to build energy-efficient homes. And better yet, you can select the rebates best suited for your development.

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District of Sparwood
136 Spruce Avenue
Box 520
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V0B 2G0
1 250 425 6271
1 250 425 7277
sparwood@sparwood.ca

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