The Town of Okotoks has a water conservation rebate program, which encourages residents to reduce their water consumption.
Through this program, residents are able to purchase and plant drought tolerant plants, trees, and seeds, and get reimbursed for a portion of their cost.
According to Jinny Tofflemire, who is an Environmental Team Lead with the Town of Okotoks, this rebate will help to save residents money, all while keeping plants green.
"It costs money for us to clean and pump water to everyone's homes, but rainwater is free," Tofflemire explains. "Our plants and our lawns, they would rather drink rainwater, so this is a way to purchase items that can conserve water but also provide your yard with rainwater."
Trees are a big part of this rebate program, and the Town has money to cover the cost of a tree up to $100 per tree off their list of approved drought-tolerant trees.
"You can get a tree from a local nursery, and probably by the time you've got the rebate, pay, like, 10 bucks for it. So, it's pretty sweet. Trees, we want more trees in Okotoks. They clean the air, they provide shade, and wind protection for our homes, which really saves us money in the long run. Trees are also proven to enhance your mental health. So, trees are a win-win situation all around."
While the Sheep River provides water to sustain the Town, residents can help avoid overworking the water supply system by being water-wise.
Under this program, residents can get rebates for perennials, shrubs, trees, drought-tolerant turf and grass, compost, irrigation controller, irrigation master valve installation, mulch, rain barrels, soaker hoses, and more.
To learn more about the program and see the full list of items that are eligible under this rebate, click here.