Improving energy efficiency

A message from Premier Ed Stelmach

Albertans care about the environment and under Alberta’s 2008 Climate Change Strategy and the Provincial Energy Strategy, we committed to help Albertans be more energy efficient in their daily lives.

Retroactive to January 1, 2009, consumer rebates ranging from $100 to $10,000 are available to new home buyers who purchase energy efficient homes, to existing homeowners who improve their energy efficiency and to taxi operators who switch their fleet to hybrid vehicles.

Whether you are purchasing an energy efficient clothes washer or an energy efficient home, this is a program we can all get involved in. Every action is helping build an energy efficient future in Alberta. It is your commitment to One Simple Act – a smart decision to reduce waste, conserve water and reduce energy consumption.

For specific information on what purchases are eligible and how to apply for a rebate, visit www.ClimateChangeCentral.com, or call toll free 1-888-537-7202.

Visit the One Simple Act website

Alberta's online campsite reservation system a success

To help make camping plans simpler, 2,800 campground sites in 25 different Alberta parks can now be reserved online at www.reserve.albertaparks.ca. Before making a reservation, you can also research the campsite on the site.

While just launched on May 1, nearly all campsites available online have already been booked for the May long weekend. Albertans and visitors are reminded that there are still opportunities for campers to reserve sites at the 38 other campgrounds not yet included in the online system. To do this, visitors can phone those campgrounds directly.

This service is part of the government's new Plan for Parks, which will guide the management of provincial parks over the next 10 years. It outlines the importance of science-based research, as well as regional and site specific management plans.

Read more about Alberta's parks

Province takes action to increase fire safety

The Alberta government is taking action to help keep Albertans safer from high-intensity residential fires. Improvements to the province’s building and fire codes will increase security and fire safety on construction sites and help minimize the severity, frequency and damage caused by fire.

Changes to the Alberta Building Code will help ensure new homes are built in a way that prevents or slows the spread of fire. Changes to the Alberta Fire Code will help prevent fires from starting on construction sites and spreading to nearby homes and buildings.

Alberta’s new fire and building codes are now in effect.

Read more about the changes

Province supports Alberta’s libraries

Alberta has a new vision to support public libraries into the 21st century. One that builds on seamless access to information and services for all Albertans. To help libraries provide access to books and resources no matter where Albertans choose to live, work or read, Budget 2009 includes a $9 million increase over last year for the public library network. Of this, $2 million will be invested in technology, helping promote collaboration and innovation within the library network.

Learn more about Alberta's library service

New program helps non-profits direct more funding to serving Albertans

In April, the Alberta government launched a new program that covers the costs of police information checks for volunteers who engage directly with at-risk populations such as children, seniors and people with disabilities. This will allow non-profit organizations to direct more funding towards core programs and services that benefit Albertans.

Get the details on the program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply