Incentive Programs

Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program

This program is offered to remove wildlife attractants and reduce conflict between bears and people in Canmore.

The program is fully subscribed for the 2023 year! We thank all our residents who participated in the program to remove fruit bearing trees and bushes from their properties. 

Miss the application window? Even though funds are no longer available, you can still remove fruit bearing trees from your property to support wildlife coexistence to make our community safer for people and wildlife. 

Your other option is to remove fruit or berries from bushes. It is against the law to let fruit or berries accumulate on trees, bushes, or the ground. Fines for letting fruit accumulate on trees and bushes or planting new trees and bushes can range between $250 - $10,000. 

  • Eligibility: Individuals who own a home or property located within the Town of Canmore.
  • Funding: 100% of the pre-tax cost of removal of the fruit tree(s) or bush(es) by an arborist or tree removal service up to $500/property. Program is first-come first-served while funds are available.
  • 2023 funds are fully subscribed.

Clean Energy Improvement Program

Over half of Canmore’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are from existing buildings. Homeowners can now apply for the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) – an innovative financing tool for property owners to reduce GHG emissions by investing in energy efficient and renewable energy upgrades without an upfront cost.

CEIP provides a low interest financing option for homeowners with repayments through annual property tax bills. CEIP repayment is tied to the property, not the property owner. If the home is sold, the new owner assumes responsibility for repayment, while also enjoying the energy savings and other benefits of the upgrade(s).  

CEIP is administered by Alberta Municipalities. Grant and loan funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities offsets the program administration and the upfront costs for the home energy upgrades for the first four years. 

Submit your application

Please note that the Town of Canmore’s Clean Energy Improvement Program is currently at capacity. Pre-Qualification submissions will be placed on a waitlist and processed on a first-come, first-served basis when space becomes available.

  • The Clean Energy Improvement Program is first come, first served. Roughly 14-18 residential upgrade projects are budgeted for each year, during the four years the Town has funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Homeowners will need to have five years of property tax history to be eligible.
  • The Clean Energy Improvement Charge is tied to the property, not the property owner.
  • Repayment is through property tax with terms based on the effective useful life (EUL) of the completed upgrades, to a maximum of 20 years. 
  • CEIP is stackable with rebates and incentives. 
  • HVAC control and heating (e.g., high efficiency furnace, air source heat pump)
  • Water heating (e.g., tankless natural gas water heater, drain water heat recovery)
  • Renewable and alternative energy (e.g., solar PV)
  • Doors, windows and insulation 

CEIP contributes to local economic growth by providing opportunities for contractors. To work on CEIP projects, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, energy auditors, window, insulation, and solar installers must become a CEIP Qualified Contractor with Alberta Municipalities.

Solar Incentive Program

The Town of Canmore offers an annual solar incentive rebate program for residents and businesses to help offset the cost of purchasing and installing a rooftop solar photovoltaic system in Canmore. 

  • Applications are now closed for the 2023 program.
  • It's recommended you obtain a few installer assessments and quotes for your project. You can visit Solar Alberta to find a list of installers/contractors serving Canmore. 
  • If more applications are received than available incentives, successful applicants will be determined by a lottery. 
  • The incentive is $1,250, regardless of the size of the system. Minimum requirements are 3 kW solar photovoltaic system,
  • The solar system must be installed between March 29 and December 15, 2023. The incentive is not retroactive for existing systems.
  • To receive the incentive, the following documents must be emailed to sustainability@canmore.ca by December 15, 2023
  • a final paid invoice for the installation; and
  • the Microgeneration Agreement with Fortis.
  • Incentives will be paid by electronic funds transfer or mailed cheque after the project is completed and required documents are received by the Town, unless the project is financed through Canmore’s Clean Energy Improvement Program.
    • Residents financing a solar installation through CEIP can apply for the solar incentive program provided timelines align. The solar incentive payment will be applied to the CEIP financing instead of being paid directly to the resident. 
  • All projects must meet building and electrical safety code requirements. All electrical systems must be CSA or ULC approved for installation in Canada.
  • An Electrical Permit is required. 
  • A Mircrogeneration Agreement with Fortis is required. Installers can generally help with this as well as the Electrical Permit.
  • A Development Permit is not required, provided the solar panels do not extend above the peak of the roof, do not extend more than 1.5 metres above the roof at any point, and fit into the range of appropriate roof colors described the Town of Canmore Land Use Bylaw, which are generally darker colors.  
  • A Building Permit is not required, provided the solar panels are flush mounted on existing construction in an approved manner as per the installation guide. Upstand mounted systems may require both a Development Permit and/or Building Permit, please fill out the Contact Planning form to discuss.

Your Community