Sunday, May 1, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
REBATES CONTINUE - LiveSmart BC
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2011ENER0010-000348
April 6, 2011
Ministry of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing
Increased home efficiency rebates help families save
VICTORIA – In partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC, the Province of British Columbia is extending and improving its popular LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program, where homeowners can receive more than $7,000 in rebates for energy saving improvements and equipment.
The program is extended for an additional two years and rebates for improvements like insulation, draft-proofing and high-performance windows and doors have increased by up to 700 per cent.
Effective April 1, 2011, the increased incentives include:
Up to $1,500 for exterior wall insulation, up from $400. Up to $1,200 for basement insulation, up from $500. Up to $750 to install attic insulation, up from $310. Up to $70 per window, door and skylight replacement, up from $40 each. Up to $500 to replace a supplementary heating system with a pellet burning appliance, up from $250.
In all, rebates have increased for 35 of 54 different items, and to further encourage participants to reduce a home’s heat loss, 12 new items have been added to the program.
To access the rebates, homeowners must hire a certified energy advisor to conduct an energy-efficiency assessment prior to and after making any eligible improvements. The advisor will handle all the paperwork in applying for provincial incentives after the post-retrofit assessment.
Quotes:
Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing –
“For most families, their most important investment is their home. The LiveSmart BC program aims to help more than 40,000 B.C. families protect that investment while fighting climate change. Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a smart way to make it more comfortable, to increase its value, and generate ongoing energy savings.”
David Cobb, president and CEO, BC Hydro –
“Anything we can do to make it easier for people to conserve electricity is beneficial not only to
individual homeowners but to our province’s energy future in general. Individual efforts all add
up and will help us achieve our goal to meet two-thirds of new demand through conservation
and efficiency by 2020.”
Doug Stout, vice president, energy solutions and external relations, FortisBC –
“Energy conservation is important to our customers, and we’re proud to continue our
association with the LiveSmart program to offer broader incentives to British Columbians. Our
PowerSense and Energy Efficiency and Conservation programs are also helping gas and
electricity customers manage energy use, reduce costs and lower greenhouse-gas emissions.
Throughout B.C., we provide our customers with advice, programs and workshops, rebates and
other money-saving incentives.”
Quick Facts:
Over the coming two years, the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program will provide up
to $30 million in provincial funding for upgrades, with a further $11.7 million available from
BC Hydro and Fortis BC.
The new incentives are for homeowners entering the program on or after April 1, 2011.
40,000 new entrants are expected to enter the program.
The rebates vary by region – typically 25 per cent higher in the Interior/Northern region for
improvements to insulation and draft proofing windows and doors.
Homeowners are encouraged to use certified installers to improve the quality and value of
the work, with a new $100 rebate for heating systems installed by a certified professional.
The program continues to pay $150 toward each initial energy assessment, lowering the
cost for families to access this $325 service.
Since its inception in 2008, the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program has:
o Stimulated growth green economy jobs, such as manufacturers, distributors, energy
advisors, contractors and tradespeople.
o Grown the number of full-time energy advisors from about 30 to over 125 today.
o Helped more than 65,000 participants in communities throughout BC.
In January 2011, the Province launched the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program, a new
$15-million, three-year program to support small businesses through energy efficiency
advisors, enhanced product incentives, equipment installation and funding for innovative
energy solutions.
Learn More:
For a full list of the changes and incentives available to homeowners through the LiveSmart
BC: Efficiency Incentive Program visit:
www.livesmartbc.ca/rebates
To learn more about the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program visit: www.livesmartbc.ca/green_business/index.html
For Immediate Release 2011ENER0010-000348
April 6, 2011
Ministry of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing
Increased home efficiency rebates help families save
VICTORIA – In partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC, the Province of British Columbia is extending and improving its popular LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program, where homeowners can receive more than $7,000 in rebates for energy saving improvements and equipment.
The program is extended for an additional two years and rebates for improvements like insulation, draft-proofing and high-performance windows and doors have increased by up to 700 per cent.
Effective April 1, 2011, the increased incentives include:
Up to $1,500 for exterior wall insulation, up from $400. Up to $1,200 for basement insulation, up from $500. Up to $750 to install attic insulation, up from $310. Up to $70 per window, door and skylight replacement, up from $40 each. Up to $500 to replace a supplementary heating system with a pellet burning appliance, up from $250.
In all, rebates have increased for 35 of 54 different items, and to further encourage participants to reduce a home’s heat loss, 12 new items have been added to the program.
To access the rebates, homeowners must hire a certified energy advisor to conduct an energy-efficiency assessment prior to and after making any eligible improvements. The advisor will handle all the paperwork in applying for provincial incentives after the post-retrofit assessment.
Quotes:
Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing –
“For most families, their most important investment is their home. The LiveSmart BC program aims to help more than 40,000 B.C. families protect that investment while fighting climate change. Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a smart way to make it more comfortable, to increase its value, and generate ongoing energy savings.”
David Cobb, president and CEO, BC Hydro –
“Anything we can do to make it easier for people to conserve electricity is beneficial not only to
individual homeowners but to our province’s energy future in general. Individual efforts all add
up and will help us achieve our goal to meet two-thirds of new demand through conservation
and efficiency by 2020.”
Doug Stout, vice president, energy solutions and external relations, FortisBC –
“Energy conservation is important to our customers, and we’re proud to continue our
association with the LiveSmart program to offer broader incentives to British Columbians. Our
PowerSense and Energy Efficiency and Conservation programs are also helping gas and
electricity customers manage energy use, reduce costs and lower greenhouse-gas emissions.
Throughout B.C., we provide our customers with advice, programs and workshops, rebates and
other money-saving incentives.”
Quick Facts:
Over the coming two years, the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program will provide up
to $30 million in provincial funding for upgrades, with a further $11.7 million available from
BC Hydro and Fortis BC.
The new incentives are for homeowners entering the program on or after April 1, 2011.
40,000 new entrants are expected to enter the program.
The rebates vary by region – typically 25 per cent higher in the Interior/Northern region for
improvements to insulation and draft proofing windows and doors.
Homeowners are encouraged to use certified installers to improve the quality and value of
the work, with a new $100 rebate for heating systems installed by a certified professional.
The program continues to pay $150 toward each initial energy assessment, lowering the
cost for families to access this $325 service.
Since its inception in 2008, the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program has:
o Stimulated growth green economy jobs, such as manufacturers, distributors, energy
advisors, contractors and tradespeople.
o Grown the number of full-time energy advisors from about 30 to over 125 today.
o Helped more than 65,000 participants in communities throughout BC.
In January 2011, the Province launched the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program, a new
$15-million, three-year program to support small businesses through energy efficiency
advisors, enhanced product incentives, equipment installation and funding for innovative
energy solutions.
Learn More:
For a full list of the changes and incentives available to homeowners through the LiveSmart
BC: Efficiency Incentive Program visit:
www.livesmartbc.ca/rebates
To learn more about the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program visit: www.livesmartbc.ca/green_business/index.html
Friday, April 1, 2011
TD Financing Services Home Improvement Program
Euroclad now offers convenient and reliable financing with the TD Financing Services Home Improvement Program ~ available to all homeowners!
Maybe your customer is building a brand new home or renovating his current home. We can provide easy access to financing at low interest rates with easy payment terms through the TD Financing Services. Simply click here to access loan application form, fill it in with homeowner and bring in to Euroclad or if you prefer, let us help to fill it out. Once approved your customer can concentrate on the renovation or the new build without worrying about the availability of funds.
Our program offers:
Our program offers:
- Simple online credit applications
- Credit decisions guaranteed within 2 hours or less
- Low weekly, bi-weekly or monthly payments
- Flexible payment options to fit your customer’s budget
- Repayment terms up to 10 years
- Pre-authorized payments
- Open and unsecured loans
Let's work together to provide our customers some great options to allow them to create their dream home!
Check out website http://www.eurocladsystems.com/ for online application - simply click the TD Financing logo!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Euroclad Finalist - Key Business Awards - Westbank & District Chamber
Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce - Key Business Awards
Key Business Awards Finalists
SUPPORT AND HELPS TO CELEBRATE
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY !!
Lake Okanagan Resort, West Kelowna, March 5, 2011
And the Finalists are.....
Business Beautification - Bylands Garden Centre
Metallic Gardens
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
RCMP Building
Community Social Development - CIBC
Bonfire Resturant
Esteem Lingerie
New Business - Hergott Law
Euphoria Spa
Health in Hand
Manchester Signs
Pro Source Irrigation
Some Wear In Time
Tourism Development - Okanagan Business Excellence
Crystal Mountain
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
The Cove Lakeside Resort
Aboriginal - Westbank First Nation
Creative Casuals
G.F. Swite Contracting
Little Miss Chief Gourmet
N.C. Derriksan
Valley West Dental
Business Person Of The Year - Re/Max Kelowna Westside
Dave Keeler
Dave Manns
Maria Byland
Neil Martens
Home Based Business - Maciel & Company
The Chef In Stead
C & C Computer Servicesa ltd.
Family Gourmet Food Company
Leif Thordarson
Ronda Barzilay
Service (Under 15 Employees) - Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission
Euroclad Building Products (2009) Ltd.
Good Guys Audio Visual Unlimited
Jazel Homes
Navigator Multimedia
World Financial group
Retail (under 15) - TD Canada Trust
Blenz
Kelowna Electroplating
Paynter's Market
Smith's Winemaking
Westbank Shoes
Young Entrepreneur - Porrelli Law Corporation
Craig Thesen
Lenetta Thordarson
Melanie Little
Trevor Neyedli
Urban Canine
Citizen Of The Year - District of West Kelowna
Claire Sokoloski
David Knowles
Large Business - Interior Savings Credit Union
19 Okanagan Grill and Bar
G & H Shop and Save
Interior Savings Credit Union
Natures Fare
TD Canada Trust
Arts & Cultural Improvement - Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Bonfire Resturant
Capitol Theatre
Del Buno School Of Dance
Gellatly Nut Farm Society
Intell Bed Sleep and Spa
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
And Recognition to...
We'd like to mention that there are a few nominations which have not been included because the nominees are on the Board and on the KBA Committee and have had to step back from the judging process - kudos to their professionalism - however they are no less deserving of the nominations or award!
We'd like to recognize that;
Our Director Jennifer Long was nominated for Community Social Development with her company J-Lo Investments
Committee member Nadine Casey-French was nominated for Community Social Developments Business Person of the Year, Service Business under 15 persons
Committee member Cheryl Dirks was nominated for Business Person of the Year
Past President Phillipe Daigle declined to be nominated for Business Person of the year.
We recognize these persons commitment to the Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce and thank them very much for their support.
The Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce is a strong and credible voice for business, representing more than 500 members. The Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer, not-for-profit, federally-regulated organization. The Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce, through its members and successive councils, promotes the Westside as a "good place to work, live and do business."
Members are encouraged to participate in activities and make their thoughts heard when it comes to improving business opportunities in our community. It is the Chamber members who are the driving force behind the community. As an advocate for these members, the Chamber of Commerce lobbies municipal, provincial and federal governments. A united voice has far more impact than a single one.
Contact Us
Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce
2372 Dobbin Road, Westbank,BC,V4T 2H9
Phone: 250-768-3378 Toll Free: 1-866-768-3378
Fax: 250-768-3465
email: admin@westbankchamber.com
Key Business Awards Finalists
SUPPORT AND HELPS TO CELEBRATE
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY !!
Lake Okanagan Resort, West Kelowna, March 5, 2011
And the Finalists are.....
Business Beautification - Bylands Garden Centre
Metallic Gardens
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
RCMP Building
Community Social Development - CIBC
Bonfire Resturant
Esteem Lingerie
New Business - Hergott Law
Euphoria Spa
Health in Hand
Manchester Signs
Pro Source Irrigation
Some Wear In Time
Tourism Development - Okanagan Business Excellence
Crystal Mountain
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
The Cove Lakeside Resort
Aboriginal - Westbank First Nation
Creative Casuals
G.F. Swite Contracting
Little Miss Chief Gourmet
N.C. Derriksan
Valley West Dental
Business Person Of The Year - Re/Max Kelowna Westside
Dave Keeler
Dave Manns
Maria Byland
Neil Martens
Home Based Business - Maciel & Company
The Chef In Stead
C & C Computer Servicesa ltd.
Family Gourmet Food Company
Leif Thordarson
Ronda Barzilay
Service (Under 15 Employees) - Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission
Euroclad Building Products (2009) Ltd.
Good Guys Audio Visual Unlimited
Jazel Homes
Navigator Multimedia
World Financial group
Retail (under 15) - TD Canada Trust
Blenz
Kelowna Electroplating
Paynter's Market
Smith's Winemaking
Westbank Shoes
Young Entrepreneur - Porrelli Law Corporation
Craig Thesen
Lenetta Thordarson
Melanie Little
Trevor Neyedli
Urban Canine
Citizen Of The Year - District of West Kelowna
Claire Sokoloski
David Knowles
Large Business - Interior Savings Credit Union
19 Okanagan Grill and Bar
G & H Shop and Save
Interior Savings Credit Union
Natures Fare
TD Canada Trust
Arts & Cultural Improvement - Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Bonfire Resturant
Capitol Theatre
Del Buno School Of Dance
Gellatly Nut Farm Society
Intell Bed Sleep and Spa
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
And Recognition to...
We'd like to mention that there are a few nominations which have not been included because the nominees are on the Board and on the KBA Committee and have had to step back from the judging process - kudos to their professionalism - however they are no less deserving of the nominations or award!
We'd like to recognize that;
Our Director Jennifer Long was nominated for Community Social Development with her company J-Lo Investments
Committee member Nadine Casey-French was nominated for Community Social Developments Business Person of the Year, Service Business under 15 persons
Committee member Cheryl Dirks was nominated for Business Person of the Year
Past President Phillipe Daigle declined to be nominated for Business Person of the year.
We recognize these persons commitment to the Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce and thank them very much for their support.
The Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce is a strong and credible voice for business, representing more than 500 members. The Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer, not-for-profit, federally-regulated organization. The Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce, through its members and successive councils, promotes the Westside as a "good place to work, live and do business."
Members are encouraged to participate in activities and make their thoughts heard when it comes to improving business opportunities in our community. It is the Chamber members who are the driving force behind the community. As an advocate for these members, the Chamber of Commerce lobbies municipal, provincial and federal governments. A united voice has far more impact than a single one.
Contact Us
Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce
2372 Dobbin Road, Westbank,BC,V4T 2H9
Phone: 250-768-3378 Toll Free: 1-866-768-3378
Fax: 250-768-3465
email: admin@westbankchamber.com
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Real Estate Forecast News - Kelowna
Real Estate forecast
by Contributed - Story: 60362 Castanet.net
Feb 25, 2011 / 5:00 am
Real Estate forecast for 2011 revised upward
Sales expected to rebound in 2012 - prices continue to rise.
There are good things on the horizon for the Canadian real estate market. At least, so say the latest industry forecasts, which have just been revised upward. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has just boosted its 2011 national forecast for MLS® sales. What’s more, CREA has now also issued a very positive forecast for 2012.
The new forecast, issued February 8th, represents an upward revision to CREA’s earlier national forecast for 2011. National MLS® sales activity is now expected to reach 439,900 units in 2011. This solid showing represents only a modest annual decline in the number of transactions of 1.6% below the previous year's active pace. In 2012, CREA forecasts that national sales activity will rebound by 3% to 453,300 units (which is roughly on par with the ten-year average for resale homes trading hands in Canada). CREA cites recent improvements in economic outlook, along with further expected improvement in consumer confidence as reasons for the upward forecast.
There’s good news for homeowners and home sellers too, as property values are expected to continue their upward climb, although at a much more moderate pace. According to CREA, the national average home price is expected to rise 1.3% in both 2011 and 2012, to $343,300 and $347,900 respectively. The average price is expected to rise modestly in most provinces, reflecting the continuation of a healthy balance between supply of, and demand for, homes listed for sale.
Of course, this is just an overview of the national picture. Home prices can vary dramatically between communities, within neighbourhoods, and even on the same street. For a more detailed look at home sale activity and resale prices in your area, contact your local Coldwell Banker real estate professional.
by Contributed - Story: 60362 Castanet.net
Feb 25, 2011 / 5:00 am
Real Estate forecast for 2011 revised upward
Sales expected to rebound in 2012 - prices continue to rise.
There are good things on the horizon for the Canadian real estate market. At least, so say the latest industry forecasts, which have just been revised upward. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has just boosted its 2011 national forecast for MLS® sales. What’s more, CREA has now also issued a very positive forecast for 2012.
The new forecast, issued February 8th, represents an upward revision to CREA’s earlier national forecast for 2011. National MLS® sales activity is now expected to reach 439,900 units in 2011. This solid showing represents only a modest annual decline in the number of transactions of 1.6% below the previous year's active pace. In 2012, CREA forecasts that national sales activity will rebound by 3% to 453,300 units (which is roughly on par with the ten-year average for resale homes trading hands in Canada). CREA cites recent improvements in economic outlook, along with further expected improvement in consumer confidence as reasons for the upward forecast.
There’s good news for homeowners and home sellers too, as property values are expected to continue their upward climb, although at a much more moderate pace. According to CREA, the national average home price is expected to rise 1.3% in both 2011 and 2012, to $343,300 and $347,900 respectively. The average price is expected to rise modestly in most provinces, reflecting the continuation of a healthy balance between supply of, and demand for, homes listed for sale.
Of course, this is just an overview of the national picture. Home prices can vary dramatically between communities, within neighbourhoods, and even on the same street. For a more detailed look at home sale activity and resale prices in your area, contact your local Coldwell Banker real estate professional.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
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