The program is operated at a community level through grants provided by the Province.

Beginning February 1, 2011, the City of Nanaimo will award 75 rebates ($250) on a first come, first serve basis to homeowners who upgrade their old, uncertified wood burning fireplaces to new, energy efficient gas or pellet models.

Appliances that can be changed-out under this program include:

• A free-standing, non-EPA certified "stove", a homemade or barrel stove.
• A so-called "airtight" non-EPA certified fireplace insert, or tube-type heat exchanger with a face plate and door (like the Free Heat Machine or Welenco) that is currently installed in an open hearth fireplace.
• A non-EPA certified "wood furnace" (ducted, forced air, home heating appliance) - may only be replaced by an EPA certified wood furnace or pellet furnace.
• A wood burning cook stove.

Replace the appliances listed above with the following:

• An EPA certified wood stove, pellet stove or high efficiency gas stove/fireplace.
• An EPA certified wood insert, pellet insert, electric insert or high efficiency gas insert.
• An EPA certified, factory-built fireplace (may only be accepted if it is replacing a non-EPA certified wood stove or non-EPA certified wood insert-not an existing factory built fireplace).

You might acquire a depreciable property such as a building, furniture, or equipment to use in your business or professional activities.

You cannot deduct the cost of the property when you calculate your net business or professional income for the year.

However, since these properties wear out or become obsolete over time, you can deduct their cost over a period of several years. The deduction for this is called capital cost allowance (CCA)

For more information please see the Claiming Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) webpage.

If you are ready to replace your old washer and dryer, FortisBC and Terasen Gas would like to encourage you to purchase an ENERGY STAR set. Purchase between June 15th and August 31, 2010 and you can receive $50 back for an ENERGY STAR washer and $100 back for a complete set. (Claims must be received by September 15th, 2010.)

Applicants can apply directly through FortisBC Power Sense Program for the rebate (application form).

Replace your existing natural gas fireplace or convert your wood hearth to an EnerChoice natural gas fireplace before March 31st, 2011 you may qualify for a $150 rebate from Terasen gas.

Applicants can apply directly through Terasen Gas for the rebate (application form).

Change your oil or propane heating system to natural gas, and install a new ENERGY STAR rated high efficiency heating system and you may qualify for a $1,000 cash rebate.