Resource Kit

Recycling Council of British Columbia
BC's most comprehensive source of information for the province's 17 Extended Producer Responsibility programs, curbside recycling systems, and other waste reduction/reuse options for products and materials British Columbians encounter every day. Search the RCBC Recyclepedia to find your closest recycling location.

For more information, visit:
Recycling Council of British Columbia


Product Care Recycling
Recycle your leftover paint, household hazardous waste, lights, and smoke/CO alarms. Find the nearest recycling location in your province by using their search. Their "PaintShare" program is also a free and eco-friendly way to make the most of leftover paint, whatever your project!

For more information, visit:
Product Care Recycling


Seniors Guide to Downsizing
The downsizing trend has picked up steam in the past few years. Census data on new homes built in the past decade shows that the average square footage has decreased. Find out possible next steps here.

For more information, visit:
Seniors Guide to Downsizing


Ridge Meadows Recycling Society
The system used to deal with household waste in Maple Ridge is unique in Metro Vancouver. Maple Ridge has developed a homegrown solution over the years that now includes a weekly curbside recycling pickup for 94% of Maple Ridge residents with no limit on the amount of recycling they set out for pickup. Also available is a multi-material recycling depot with public drop-off area located at the entrance to Metro Vancouver’s Maple Ridge Recycling & Waste Centre for Garbage, Green Waste, Mattress, & Gypsum (Drywall) Drop-off. Residents are responsible for their own garbage disposal, either bringing it to the transfer station or by contracting with a private hauler.

For more information, visit:
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society


Maple Ridge Garbage, Recycling & Composting
Information on initiatives such as Adopt-a-Block, which welcomes everyone and involves collecting small amounts of litter on a monthly basis in your designated area. Students participate to gain volunteer hours to graduate, retired individuals join to stay active in their community, families adopt together as a fun, constructive activity – the possibilities are endless. Keeping our community tidy makes Maple Ridge that much more beautiful to enjoy. Associated with Adopt-A-Block are three other programs: Adopt-A-Stream, Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail. Also information on Yard & Garden Trimmings which can be dropped off at the Maple Ridge Recycling and Waste Centre. Please check Metro Vancouver's website for applicable tipping fees.

For more information, visit:
Maple Ridge Garbage, Recycling & Composting
 

Asbestos and Removal Guide
Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building products throughout most of the 20th century. The most common occurrences of residential asbestos in older homes built prior to 1986 are described below. All of these products can release dangerous asbestos fibers if they are sawed, sanded, drilled, cut, worn or otherwise damaged.

For more information, visit:
Lanier Lawfirm's guide on Asbestos

Ridge Meadows Recycling Society - Recycling Depot
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is a community-based, non-profit organization, advocating zero waste, operating responsible waste reduction services and providing environmental education. We employ people with developmental disabilities assisting their integration into the community.

For more information, visit:
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society - Recycling Depot


Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver is a federation of 21 municipalities, one Electoral Area and one Treaty First Nation that collaboratively plans for and delivers regional-scale services. Initiatives such as Food Mesh and Nature Guide are available for viewing here. A source on the Air Quality is also available.

For more information, visit:
Metro Vancouver


Asbestos Important Information
Asbestos can be lurking in older homes and buildings, which can cause a very serious disease called mesothelioma. It's important for property owners to understand the health risks of asbestos exposure, and to recognize the need to hire a professional to remove it. The Mesothelioma Center have created informational resources to keep owners informed.

For more information, visit:
Asbestos Awareness


Home Improvement Assistance Programs
The following programs help seniors make their homes safer, more accessible, and more energy efficient.
Home Adaptations for Independence

Adapting your home in small ways can help you stay safer and more independent. Simply installing handrails and bathtub grab bars can help prevent falls and related injuries.

Home Adaptations for Independence helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities finance home modifications for accessible, safe and independent living. Eligible homeowners, renters and landlords can receive up to $20,000 per home in the form of a forgivable loan.

For more information, visit:
Home Adaptations for Independence


BC Seniors' Home Renovation Tax Credit
The BC Seniors' Home Renovation Tax Credit is a refundable personal income tax credit to assist individuals aged 65 and over with the cost of certain permanent home renovations, effective for the 2012 and subsequent tax years.

For more information, visit:
BC Seniors' Home Renovation Tax Credit


EfficiencyBC - Renovation Program
EfficiencyBC is a new Provincial program offering financial incentives, information and support to help households and businesses save energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by switching to high-efficiency heating equipment and making building-envelope improvements. The $24M program is co-funded with the federal government under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.

The EfficiencyBC website is B.C.’s online hub for homeowners and businesses to access information, incentives and support to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in new and existing homes and buildings.

For more information, visit:
EfficiencyBC


Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program On-Reserve
Resident Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program On-Reserve offers financial assistance to Band Councils and Band members to repair substandard homes to a minimum level of health and safety and to improve the accessibility of housing for people with disabilities.

Band Councils or individual homeowners who require repairs to their homes may be eligible to apply.

For more information, visit:
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program On-Reserve


Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Green Home Program
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Green Home program helps make energy-efficient housing more affordable.

For more information, visit:
Green Home Program


Vancouver Compost Bin Subsidy
If you are a Vancouver resident who would like a compost bin, this program will give you a bin for just $25.00 because the City will subsidize the other $50.

For more information, visit:
Citygreen


FortisBC Insulation rebates
Save money and improve the comfort of your home by adding or upgrading insulation in your walls, attic or basement/crawlspace.

For more information, visit:
FortisBC Insulation Rebates


FortisBC Natural gas furnace rebates
Replace your old natural gas furnace with an eligible ENERGY STAR® model and you could qualify for a rebate of up to $1,000.

For more information, visit:
FortisBC Natural Gas Furnace Rebates


FortisBC Natural gas water heater rebates
Upgrade to a qualifying natural gas ENERGY STAR® water heater and you could get rebates from $200 to $1,000.

For more information, visit:
FortisBC Natural Gas Water Heater Rebates


Clothes washer and dryer rebates
Purchase a qualifying ENERGY STAR® clothes washer or dryer and get rebates from $100 to $250

For more information, visit:
Clothes washers dryers rebates


EV charging stations for homes
Purchase and install a charging station for an electric vehicle at home and save up to $350 on eligible costs.

For more information, visit:
EV Charging Stations for homes


MA NÎ?I MÉTIS Home Renovation Program
The funding format: Funds for this program are allocated via the Metis-Canada-Housing Sub-Accord. The program will provide up to $20,000 per applicant of a non-repayable grant, provided the homeowner(s) retain ownership of their home for at least five years from receipt of the grant. If the house is sold prior to five years of the approved grant date, the grant must be immediately repaid in full to MNBC.

Additionally, the new renovation program will be flexible to allow emergency support repairs to those that may not fit the age criteria but are within the income threshold, to have immediate emergency repairs done on their home, approved on a case-by-case basis. By reserving 5% ($50,000) of the budget for emergency repair such as furnace and hot water tanks.

For more information, visit:
MNBCA


5 Important Senior safety tips when they stay home alone
It can be more difficult for physically impaired people to accomplish somewhat simple daily tasks, including things like bathing or sweeping the floors.

For more information, visit:
Important Senior Safety Tips