A Wawa-based rebate program intended to help residents switch to a new wood heat appliance is a casualty in the provincial government's cancellation of cap-and-trade.
Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill explains the EDC has been informed that the Wawa Wood Heat Rebate program can no longer take applications as the incoming government has cancelled the GreenON program - which funded the local rebates - though she notes some good news for those who've already applied.
O'Neill notes the program - which offered rebates for residents and business owners in Wawa, Hawk Junction, and Michipicoten First Nation to switch from oil or propane heat to wood heat or from an older wood heat appliance to a new one - was "very well received - beyond expectations".
O'Neill adds that the E-D-C will work with the Municipality of Wawa and other communities impacted to lobby for a return of the rebate program, or something similar.
The rebate program was only launched at the start of May, one of four such pilot programs funded by proceeds of the province's carbon market, including another municipally-led pilot in Sioux Lookout and Indigenous-led pilot programs for Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Wiikwemikoong territory.