Jasper rebuilds may not be eligible for clean energy upgrade loans [Video]

The Municipality of Jasper will investigate if rebuilds are eligible for loans to help property owners undertake clean energy retrofits.

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Coun. Ralph Melnyk brought up the issue during a public hearing for the clean energy improvement program tax bylaw on Tuesday.

“We’re in a unique situation,” Melnyk said. “I don’t think this has happened in the province before, and I think we need to be prepared to be able to work with this very good program as people rebuild.”

The clean energy improvement program allows property owners of residential or commercial buildings to undertake energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. Alberta Municipalities, an advocacy group for municipalities in the province, is the central program administrator.

Unlike a traditional loan, repayment is facilitated by a tax added to the property’s tax bill. The program is strictly voluntary.

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