When former prime minister Pierre Trudeau said the state had no business in the bedrooms of the nation he may not have envisaged a day when it might have a legitimate interest in the nation’s washrooms.
But it has come to pass, at least in Williams Lake.
On Tuesday, council approved a criteria for a 2011 replacement program that will provide rebates to residents who replace older toilets with more water-efficient models.
“Council is pleased to offer this program again to City residents,” said Coun. Sue Zacharias, chair of the planning and operation committee, in a press release.
“The last incentive program was very successful and we hope more residents take advantage of this program to help ensure that the water supply we all enjoy today will be there for many generations to come.”
According to the City, many older homes are equipped with toilets that require 13 litres or more of water to operate; low flow toilets, by contrast, can use as little as three litres.
That, says the City, could save the average household 200 litres per day or 70,000 litres per year.
The rebate includes a lifetime maximum of two low-flow rebates per residential unit. Individuals replacing toilets using 13 litres or more with a Maximum Performance Tested approved new low-flow fixture will receive a rebate.
The rebates are: up to a maximum of $75 for a low-flow model (4.8L), up to a maximum of $100 for a dual-flush model (3/4.8L), and $125 for a three-litre flush model.
Only owners of residential units that are connected to the City of Williams Lake’s water and sewer system are able to take advantage of the rebate.
Old toilets must be disposed at the City’s municipal works yard at 555 North Second Ave.
Residents must have a copy of the approved rebate form with them when the fixture is dropped off. To participate in this program residents can pick up an application form at City Hall.
The program will start June 1 and run to Aug. 31 or until budget monies have been depleted.
The City has budgeted $24,000 for the program that will be available on the first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information contact City Hall at 250-392-2311.
