* frequentlyaskedquestions
EcoENERGY
- How long does an ecoENERGY audit take?
- How long until I get my grant cheque from NRCan?
- How long does it take to receive my report after my initial home energy evaluation?
- What kind of upgrades are eligible for a grant?
- When/how can I book an ecoENERGY audit for my home?
EnviroBoutique
- Where is the EnviroBoutique located?
- What are the hours of operation?
- Where can I park when coming to EnviroCentre?
- I do not live in Ottawa but would like to buy from EnviroBoutique. Is there a way to do it?
CAN-BIKE
Active and Safe Routes to School
- What is Active & Safe Routes to School?
- What is Active Transportation?
- What specific activities/programs are available?
- Who coordinates the program from my school?
- How much does it cost?
- What types of resources are available?
- What do I have to do to sign my school up?
- How can my school qualify?
- What if my school is in a rural area?
Other
- Are there other ways to save on electricity costs?
- What is the City of Ottawa's Toilet Rebate Program?
- People keep trying to get us to sign up for cheaper electricity and gas bills. Does this make sense?
- What are the rules if I do decide to sign up with an energy retailer?
- Is EnviroCentre part of City Hall?
EcoENERGY
1. How long does an ecoENERGY evaluation take?
Evaluations can take up to 2-3 hrs.
2. How long until I get my grant cheque from NRCan and Ontario?
Please allow at least 30-90 days after we process your evaluation.
3.How long does it take to receive my report?
Up to two weeks.
4. What kind of upgrades are eligible for a grant?
Please see this list for details on eligible grants. Because the Province of Ontario will match them, the total grant could be double what you see listed.
5. When/how can I book an ecoENERGY evaluation for my home?
Please use our online booking service to view the available appointments; availability may vary based on your location.
EnviroBoutique
6. Where is the EnviroBoutique located?
On the main floor next to the Government Services Centre at City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa.
7. What are the hours of operation?
From 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays.
8. Where can I park when coming to EnviroCentre?
There is a pay parking lot beneath City Hall (accessible from Laurier Ave. and Elgin St.).
9. I do not live in Ottawa but would like to buy from EnviroBoutique. Is there a way to do it?
We can ship any of our products to your location, please contact us for estimated shipping costs.
CAN-BIKE
A series of nationally standardized courses designed for various levels of cycling ability including traffic analysis and general bicycle maintenance. Courses combine in-class and on-bike learning and are available at various locations throughout the city in both French and English.
11. Why take a CAN-BIKE course?
Studies have proven that cyclists are safest when they abide by the same rules of the road as other vehicles. CAN-BIKE courses teach cyclist the skills necessary to ride safely within traffic.
12. How do I register for a course?
For course schedules and registration contact EnviroCentre at 613-580-2582 and press 1 for community and transportation programs. Or refer to the City of Ottawa Recreation Guide for courses at your local community centre. Participants must complete the registration form and sign the waiver prior to the first class.
Active and Safe Routes to School
13. What is Active & Safe Routes to School?
Active & Safe Routes to School, provides schools and parents with the tools to support active transportation as a means of getting to and from school. It encourages safer routes for children, increased physical activity, reduces traffic and improves air quality in school zones.
14. What is Active Transportation?
People powered modes of transportation, for example, walking, cycling, rollerblading.
15. What specific activities/programs are available?
There are six activities/programs that are part of the umbrella program called Active & Safe Routes to School:
- International Walk to School Day
- Walking Challenge/Kilometer Club
- Neighbourhood Walkabout
- No Idling at School
- Walking School Bus
- Classroom involvement in community mapping – Blazing Trails through the Urban Jungle
16. Who coordinates the program from my school?
Parent volunteers, teachers and students are all involved in the coordination of the program. There is also external support for International Walk to School Day and the Neighborhood Walkabout. EnviroCentre is a contact point for resources and community partners.
There are no costs associated with this program.
18. What types of resources are available?
A free resource guide is available for schools interested in setting up a program. This resource is a step-by-step guide.
19. What do I have to do to sign my school up?
Speak to the principal or the Public Health Nurse at the school. Inform them of your interest in pursuing this program. You can also contact EnviroCentre to express your interest and for general information.
20. How can my school qualify?
There are no qualification requirements other than an interest in increasing the number of students who choose active transportation to get to and from school, a desire to reduce traffic in school zones, subsequently increasing the safety and improving the air quality.
21. What if my school is in a rural area?
The number of students that are able to walk to school is usually reduced in rural areas. However, the walking club and no idling campaign are viable options.
Other
22. Are there other ways to save on electricity costs?
Please see EnviroCentre's Electricity Conservation Tips (.pdf) for a wide variety of steps you can take to further reduce your electrical bills.
23.What is the City of Ottawa's Toilet Rebate Program?
The City of Ottawa's Toilet Rebate Program is scheduled to launch Fall 2007. In order for a toilet to qualify, it must be on the approved City of Ottawa toilet listing and be purchased on or after the program launch date; also, the home where the toilet is being installed must be built prior to 1996. There will be a limit of one rebate per household. Rebates will be processed on a first come-first served basis. Funding is limited. The High Volume User Program is scheduled to launch Fall 2007. To qualify as a High Volume User facilities must be located in the City of Ottawa and consume 25,000 m3 or more of water per year or be located in the City of Ottawa and be a multi-residential property with 6 or more units. Rebates will be processed on a first come-first served basis. Funding is limited.
For more information, please visit this page on the City's website.
Energy Retailers
EnviroCentre does not recommend signing up with energy retailers, as most people will benefit from energy prices that are regulated by the Ontario Energy Board.
25. What are the rules if I do decide to sign up with an energy retailer?
You are not required to sign a contract with any independent utility company. If you do choose to sign a contract for a higher rate,
- You must receive a written copy of the contract within 40 days of the date you signed.
- Once you sign the contract, you have 10 days to think about what you want to do (i.e. keep the contract or cancel it)
- You may contact the electricity retailer between the 10 th and 60th days to reaffirm your decision. If you choose not to reaffirm, the contract ends on the 61st day after you receive the copy of the contract.
- If you initiate the contact with a retailer, the cooling off period and reaffirmation provisions do not apply.
FYI: The current price of electricity is 5.2 cents per kWh for less than 600 kwh/mo and 6.2 cents for each additional kWh. Various fixed and other charges result in an average price of about 11 cents per kWh, down from the previous cost of 12 cents.
26.Is EnviroCentre part of City Hall?
EnviroCentre is an independent, non-profit organization that is based at City Hall but receives no funding for its energy-efficiency programs from the City, which delivers its own environmental programs.