Stirling moves to implement PACE-type program

Posted on January 27, 2022 by admin

Nikki Jamieson

Westwind Weekly

The following are selected briefs from the regular Jan. 19 Stirling village council meeting:

Bylaw 521-22 — Clean Energy Improvement Program
Stirling council performed first reading of Bylaw 521-22.
The Clean Energy Improvement Program Bylaw is a PACE-style program that allows village residents to finance energy efficiency projects on their homes through their property taxes. While the program is administered by Emissions Reduction Alberta, the bylaw allows for village’s administration start up the program and work with the provincial administrators.
“Affordable financing is usually the single largest barrier for most home owners to making energy efficiency related improvements,” said Stirling Mayor Trevor Lewington. “This should help lower monthly utility bills for participating homes. A side benefit is lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy intensity in our community.”
More information on the program can be found at  https://www.myceip.ca.

Bowling Alley Report
Council accepted a report on the bowling alley for information.
The report contained concerns on the state of the facility along with potential options on what to do with the facility. It dates back to the early 1980’s and requires safety and equipment upgrades to continue operating. Council had discussed the ownership of the facility, it’s historical use and revenues and options moving forward. Council also plans to visit the facility to better understand it’s issues.

Bylaw 522-22 — Early Tax Payment Reward
Council performed first reading of Bylaw 522-22.
The Early Tax Payment Reward Bylaw is an update to an existing bylaw, and allows for residents to obtain a three percent discount on the municipal portion of their taxes if prepaid prior to Feb.15. According to Lewington, “council sees the benefit to our cashflows through the prepayment program”, and the update will codify their existing discount policy.