Calgarians can get rebate on rain barrels under new city program

Calgarians can receive a $50 rebate on up to two rain barrels, thanks to a new joint rebate program by The City of Calgary and Green Calgary.

Starting April 1, rain barrels purchased after March 31 from Green Calgary or local vendors, can submit an application form with original receipts for up to two rain barrels per household and receive $50 back per barrel.

The program will end when 3,000 rain barrels have been rebated.

“We are pleased with the continued popularity of the Green Calgary rain barrel program,” said Lex Van Der Raadt, Green Calgary’s executive director.

“Based on our experience from previous years, we know that supply does not always keep up with demand and we wanted to help make rain barrels more affordable to Calgarians who want to use them,” he said.

Nicole Newton, manager of Natural Environment and Adaptation with the City of Calgary, said water use can increase significantly during the summer, and that using rainwater can help to reduce usage during that time. 

“Not only does captured rainwater keep yards and gardens healthy, rain barrels also help contain water on the property, reduce soil erosion and keep pollutants from being washed into waterways,” she said.

Green Calgary rain barrels can be pre-ordered and cost $75 plus GST after the $50 rebate. Rain barrels can also be purchased between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Deerfoot Meadows IKEA location on April 19, Dalhousie Co-op off Shaganappi Trail on May 3, Genesis Centre at Falconridge on June 7 and at the Calgary Horticultural Society on the west side of Crowchild Trail on June 14.

More information about Green Calgary’s annual rain barrel sale is available at the City’s rain barrel program page.