Water Conservation Rebate Program

Amount: 50% up to $100

Note: Only items listed are eligible for a rebate. These plants must live in the ground; Plants intended for pots or containers are NOT eligible.

Eligible Perennials

• Alpine Aster - Aster alpinus
• Bergamot/Purple Bee Balm - Mondara fistulosa
• Brown-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia triloba
• Black-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta
• Buffalo Bean/Golden Bean - Thermopsis rhombifolia
• Nodding Onion/Prairie Onion - Allium textile
• Prairie Goldenrod - Solidago missouriensis
• Sage - Salvia officinalis
• Sticky Geranium - Geranium viscosissimum
• Yarrow - Achillea millefolium

Eligible Shrubs

• Gooseberry (wild currant) - Ribes oxyacanthoides
• Juniper - Juniperus spp

Eligible Trees

• Amur Maple - Acer ginnala
• Aspen (Trembling) - Populus tremuloides
• Bur Oak - Quercus macrocarpa
• Douglas Fir - P. Menziesii var. glauca
• Hawthorn (Snowbird)- Crataegus x mordenensis ‘Snowbird’
• Hawthorn  (Toba) - Crataegus x mordenensis ‘Toba’
• Japanese Tree Lilac - Syringa reticulate
• Ohio Buckeye - Aesculus glabra
• Pine - Pinus spp.
• Siberian Larch - Larix siberica
• Spruce – Picea spp.
• Tatarian Maple - Acer tataricum

*Raising the Canopy*

Trees provide shade, calm our minds and clean our air, while also providing habitat to our local critters! The Town wants to help you add to our local tree canopy. The Town will provide an extra $100, in addition to the rebate funding, towards trees on the plant list.

• Apply for a rebate and get $100 towards the cost of the trees, and 50% up to $100 for the remaining cost.
• Maxiumum $200 per household.
• For example, a tree costs you $150. Raising the Canopy covers $100, rebate covers 50% of the remaining $50 for a total rebate of $125.

Did you know? Fruit trees can attract deer. Replacing them with drought  tolerant trees still provide food and habitat for birds and insects while decreasing the chance of encountering a deer lingering in your yard.

Check out the Planting Guide for best care for your trees!

Would you like your rebate processed quickly? Please follow these requirements:

• We require high quality photos of your plant(s), including:
  • a highly legible plant identifier tag/label. We need to zoom in close to identify your plant properly.
  • your new plants in their respective garden areas after planting.
  • proof that your plants have been provided with around 2 inches of mulch (trees need around 4 inches and plants don't like mulch touching the stem). This helps your plants conserve water.

Caring for your new plants

Check out the Planting Guide for how to properly plant and care for your new trees and plants!

Amount: 50% up to $500

Drought-tolerant sod, grass seed, hydro-seed and non-turfgrass groundcover seed (such as White Dutch or micro clover) are eligible for the rebate program if they are TWCA-certified and/or composition consists of less than 30% of Kentucky Blue Grass. Rebate includes the cost of installation.

Note:

• Proof of seed mix composition from bag, or a turf/seed composition list from the supplier/installer required.  

Amount: 50% up to $200

Compost mixture that is 100% composted animal manure, or plant-based compost. Includes compost used to top-dress lawns and amend garden soil to aid in water retention and soil health (e.g. composted sheep manure, mushroom compost).

Note:

• No Peat moss
• Does NOT include soil mixes or fertilizers

Did you know? Peat moss develops over thousands of years! Use compost instead.

Amount: 50% up to $100

All forms of bark and rock mulch that are used for landscaping/groundcover are eligible. Examples: bark shavings, nuggets, wood chip mixes, rock mixes, shale.

Things you need to know:

• Include a photo of the mulched area after it's added to your yard.
• The purpose of the mulch is to provide cover around plants to reduce a need for water or to replace turf/grass.
• A rebate will not be provided for mulch for areas under structures (decks, etc.), in driveways, or in dog runs.
• Mulch must be permeable; non-permeable surfaces such as pavers or patio stones aren't mulch and are not accepted.
• Rubber mulch is not accepted in the program.
• Delivery cost is included.

Amount: 50% up to:

• $100 for up to 100 gallons
• $200 for up to 200 gallons
• $300 for up to 300 gallons
• $400 for up to 400 gallons

Rebate provided for residential or commercial rain barrel of any type. Must provide proof of rain barrel capacity (litres or gallons) on the application.

NOTE:

• Households are eligible for rebates on up to 4 rain barrels, up to $100 each (or more if larger barrel).

Amount: 50% up to $25

Rebate provided for the repair or replacement of a rain barrel spigot, and for the purchase of diverter kits.

Amount: 50% up to $300

Rebate provided for the installation of a WaterSense® labeled irrigation controller. Sensors/controllers purchased for new or existing irrigation systems are eligible.

Note:

Installation must be done by a professional irrigation contractor to ensure that your new equipment is working its best. The product spec sheet must be included in your application.

Amount: 50% up to $75

Rebate for the installation of a master valve on an irrigation system. Master valves help prevent leaks.

Note:

• Installation must be done by a professional irrigation contractor to ensure new equipment is working at its best. Proof of make/model (product spec sheet) must be included in your application.

Amount: 50% up to $75

Rebate provided for the installation of a rain sensor that suspends the irrigation schedule during a rain event. Sensors purchased for new or existing irrigation systems are eligible.

Note:

• Installation must be done by a professional irrigation contractor to ensure that your new equipment is working its best.
• The product spec sheet must be included in your application.

Amount: 50% up to $50
(Limit of 2 per household)

Rebate provided for the purchase of a soaker hose(s) for use in flower and vegetable gardens.

NOTE:

• For best water conserving results, use a watering timer with the soaker hose.
• Alternatively, soaker hoses can be hooked up to a rain barrel.

Amount: 50% up to $75 each
(Limit of 2 per household)

Rebate provided for outdoor watering timers that attach to an outdoor garden hose and are programmable to automatically shut off the water flow at end of programmed watering period.

Note:

• Follow watering schedule when using water timer.
• Monitor the time needed to sufficiently water turf, as it requires only 1 inch of water per week to thrive.

Amount: 50% up to $100/toilet
(Limit of 4 per household)

Rebates provided to replace high flow toilets (13 litres or 3 gallons/flush or more) with WaterSense® labeled low flow toilets.

Note, for each toilet being replaced:

• Application must include photo of old toilet's water use amount (gallons or litres/flush), or the make/model, and
• Photo of WaterSense® label or product spec sheet.

Xeriscaping involves landscaping a large area (see requirements below) with plants that are appropriate to dry climates and providing healthy growing conditions. Xeriscaping creates an environmentally friendly and beautiful landscape that can be maintained with little or no supplementary watering once plants are established.

Xeriscaping does not mean adding drought tolerant plants to existing garden spaces. Xeriscaping includes removing a large area of turf, like a front yard lawn, and replacing it with native and/or drought tolerant plants. It includes amending the soil depth and quality, so that plants will thrive in dry conditions, and adding a thick layer of mulch so that moisture doesn’t evaporate. The goal of a xeriscape landscape is to have a yard space that is self-sufficient, low-maintenance and beautiful.

Like you, we want this process to be as smooth as possible. For a successful xeriscape project process, please keep the following things in mind.

Eligible projects include:

• Pre-approved turf removal and xeriscape landscaping project where a minimum of 46 m² turf is removed and replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping.
• New and existing residential single family home landscapes.

Items eligible for the rebate are:

• drought tolerant/deer resistant plants
• soil amendment
• mulch
• equipment rental for turf removal (DIY projects)
• landscape fabric and basic edging
• install/delivery costs

Items not eligible for the rebate are:

• non-drought tolerant plants, or artificial turf
• hardscaping such as concrete, boulders, pathways, retaining walls, or patio stones
• arbors, pergolas, or decking.

1. Apply:
   Apply for pre-approval using the form below to hold a spot in the program. If you are accepted, our team will reach out to you to begin the process.

   Apply for Xeriscaping Pre-Approval

2. Research: 
   Learn more about qualifying your yard with the Xeriscape Rebate Yard Requirements Guide.  If you (or your landscaper) have an idea for a project use this guide to find out whether it will work.
    
3. Preliminary Yard Inspection:
   Once you've applied, a Town staff member will give you a call to chat about your project. If it's eligible, they'll book a preliminary yard inspection. This will ensure that implementing your idea will meet the program specifications laid out by the Town. 
   
   Things you need to know:
   • The xeriscaping project must be a minimum of 46 m² in area for a residential property.
   • Please apply BEFORE you've started your landscape project if possible. Already started? Apply anyway and we can chat about whether or not your project is eligible. If your landscaping is underway or complete, you may be asked to make changes to your landscape (to comply with bylaws) in order to qualify.
   • 40% of the landscaped area needs to consist of drought tolerant plants (mature size taken into account).

   • If the yard area is less than 46 m² , but the intent is to xeriscape the entire area (e.g. whole front yard or whole back yard), the project would still be eligible for the program.

     Check out the Plant Guide for a list of recommended plants in the Okotoks area!

4. Develop a landscape design:
   • The landscaping company or homeowner must provide a landscape plan that calculates the area of the plants at their mature size, ensuring that it meets the 40% criteria. Tree area is calculated at 25% of mature size.
   • Please use the 7 Principles of Xeriscaping to design your landscape. 
      
5. Submit landscape design plan:
   A finalized landscape design must be submitted and approved by Town staff prior to any work taking place.
    
6. Start your Project! 
   After approval is received you can begin! Applicants have until October 15 to complete the project from the date of the inspection.
    
7. Book a final inspection: 
   Once complete, notify Town staff and complete the online xeriscape rebate application (a link will be sent via email prior to inspection), and book an inspection time.
    
8. Book an irrigation assessment: Got irrigation? You are encouraged to book a complimentary assessment with the Town after your project is complete so we can help you continue to conserve water. 
    
9. Await your rebate! Upon application approval, patiently wait for your rebate cheque to arrive in the mail in 4-6 week's time or sign up for an electronic funds transfer.

What you need to know about the Xeriscape Rebate:

• Rebates are awarded on first-come, first-served basis.
• Pre-approval from the Town is required.
• Approved project must be completed by October 15.
• Project area must be conversion of turf or a new-build/un-landscaped yard.
• Minimum of 40% of new xeriscape landscape area must be plants (mature size of plant is used in the calculation).
• All plants must be drought tolerant.
• Please apply BEFORE you've started your landscape project if possible. Already started? Apply anyway and we can chat about whether or not your project is eligible.

Here are a few important xeriscape rebate requirements to keep in mind:

1. If turf is part of your backyard xeriscape plan, it must:
   • be a TWCA-certified drought tolerant turf, and
   • cover less than 1/3 of the total yard area being landscaped
2. DIY'ers, please keep your receipts for all of these items:
   • Please label and highlight purchased plants (pot-sizes and quantities), mulch, and dirt, etc. on receipts.
   • It works to your benefit if we know exactly what you purchased and at what cost.
3. Ask your landscaper for a fully itemized invoice and receipt to provide clarity on landscaping materials and costs.

Keep your plants thriving!

• We want your plants to survive and thrive as much as you do! Please give plants a mulch depth of 2 inches over the entire xeriscape area, and a depth of 4 inches around tree and root area.
• Ensure that mulch is not touching the trunk of the tree, but is 3-4 inches away from the trunk.

1. The Town of Okotoks wants to encourage and reward you for your water conservation efforts!
2. With growing demands on water supply and potential droughts, it is everyone’s responsibility to rethink appropriate water use. As up to 30% of summer residential water is utilized on lawns and gardens, xeriscaping can play a significant role in reducing potable (treated) water consumption.

Xeriscaped landscapes need less water than a traditional landscape. If you have an irrigation system, we encourage you to participate in an irrigation assessment (May 15-Aug 15). This will help you optimize your irrigation system so that it provides water when and where your new landscape needs it. Save water and protect your investment!

Amount: 50% up to $2,000

Rebate for systems that include larger residential scaled tank systems/cisterns that collect a minimum of 2,000 litres (500 gallons) of rainwater. Collection system expenses such as transport piping, debris traps, filters, pumps and installation costs are eligible.

NOTE:

• Pre-approval from the Town required.
• Apply online, or call us to discuss a system.
• Available from March 1 until September 1.

• Town of Okotoks water utility customers (residential property owners and renters) who are connected to the Town’s water distribution system.

Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as applications are received. Applications are date stamped and processed by Town staff in the order they were received. Ensuring you have attached all of the correct information to your application will get it processed more quickly.

Standard Rebate Items: Rebates for items in this category are 50% of the cost up to the amount listed under each item. Each item rebate amount is the maximum total that a household can receive from the program annually for that item.

For example, 13 plants are purchased for $250 (50% up to $100 max rebate). The applicant gets $100 back. Drought tolerant grass was also installed at a cost of $1200 (50% up to $500) for which the applicant will get $500 back. The applicant will get a total rebate of $600.

There are specialty items that have separate applications from the standard rebate items as they need prior approval from the Town. These include rainwater irrigation systems and xeriscape landscape projects.

Rebate funds in the amount of under $1500 will appear on your utility bill. NO other forms of payment will be issued.

Rebate funds in the amount of $1500 or over will be issued as a cheque or Electronic Funds Transfer payment.

Depends on the item! Please make sure you read all the info for the item you are wanting to purchase so that you know how much money to expect as a rebate.

GST is not part of the rebate calculation.

Paper work...here's what we need from you:

Proof of purchase in the form of a receipt or paid invoice is required. Several items require additional item specification information or photos with the application form.

Remember, only fully completed applications will be processed. If you are experiencing any issues, give us a call!

Can I apply again if I want more cool stuff?

Residents may apply more than once for each standard rebate item until the maximum amount for each item for your household has been reached.

Xeriscaping is not a yard with only rock nor is it adding drought tolerant plants to existing garden spaces. 

To qualify for the xeriscape rebate, your yard will be evaluated by a Town staff member to ensure xeriscaping measures have been incorporated.

Xeriscaping includes removing a large area of turf, like a front yard lawn, and replacing it with native and/or drought tolerant plants. It includes amending the soil depth and quality, so that plants will thrive in dry conditions, and adding a thick layer of mulch so that moisture doesn’t evaporate. The goal of a xeriscape landscape is to have a yard space that is self-sufficient, low-maintenance, and beautiful.

Our program goals are to:

1) promote landscapes that use less water and

2) support sustainable landscapes that create healthy soil and support our local environment, provide places to live and food to eat for Okotoks' little critters and pollinators, decrease pollution that runs into the river, and reduce Okotoks' overall water use