Celebrate Earth Hour on March 31
February 7, 2012
The 5th Annual Kingston Unplugged Concert will be held in Springer Market Square from 6:30 to 9:30 pm on March 31. Learn about opportunities to set up information or vending booths by visiting www.kingstonunplugged.com. Last year 135 countries took part in the event. "Earth Hour is a one hour lights out event, created by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) that mobilizes millions worldwide to show support for action on climate change. Earth Hour is designed to help show people how they can be a part of the climate solution and that every day actions can add up to make a real difference."
ecoENERGY Retrofit program cancelled
February 1, 2012
The federal government cancelled the popular ecoENERGY Retrofit program for homes at the end of January. Homeowners who registered by January 28 must complete all retrofit renovations by March 31. The deadline for the post retrofit evaluations has been extended to June 30. The current program got off to a late start in June 2011, after the Budget 2011 was presented in Parliament. It is estimated that for every dollar invested in the program, Canadians spend about ten dollars on products and services while improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Most of this economic activity occurs within the same community the homeowner lives, helping to support local suppliers, contractors and tradespeople. To learn about the save ecoENERGY coalition, visit www.saveecoenergy.ca
CRA approves ITC payments for residential microFIT solar systems
September 27, 2011
The Canada Revenue Agency has approved payments for Input Tax Credits (ITC's) for residential microFIT solar systems. The purchase and installation of microFIT solar systems can be classified as "Capital Personal Property", which is eligible for an ITC. To find out more, read the CRA information sheet, The GST/HST Implications of the Acquisition of Solar Panels under the micro Feed-in Tariff program in Ontario.
Hearthmakers launches 2011 Well Aware program and RAIN
June 20, 2011
Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative has launched the 2011 season of the Well Aware program. Well Aware is a free service available to homeowners and provides customized information on maintaining and testing your well and protecting ground water sources. Visit www.hearthmakers.org for more information. Hearthmakers is also looking for volunteers and donations (cash, plant material, tools etc.) to help build a rain garden at the Utilities Kingston water conservation garden on 1211 John Counter Boulevard. Email csr@hearthmakers.org or call 613.547.8122 if you would like to help out.
Kingston Walks offers Towers & Turbines tour starting July 2
June 10, 2011
Kingston Walks will be offering the Towers & Turbines tour this summer. From July 2 to September 5 there will be a daily tour leaving at 10:00 am from the Tourist Information Office at 209 Ontario Street. The tour combines local history with a visit to the Wolfe Island Wind Farm and information on green energy. Tickets are $10 per person plus HST or $15 plus HST for families. The tour leaves daily at 10:00 am or by reservation. For more information, email info@kingstonwalks.com or call Kingston Walks, 613.547.2099.
