City of Selkirk Water Conservation Pilot Project
Closed!
The pilot project has been closed, no further new submissions will be received. If you’d like to see similar projects in the future please provide your feedback using our CitizenSupport ticket system. We welcome your feedback and look forward to providing more environmentally responsible services in the future.
To find more on similar projects please ensure you subscribe to our website by visiting our homepage at MySelkirk.ca to be informed on all of the latest services and programs we are offering.
Water Conservation – It all starts with you
A key part of the City of Selkirk’s strategic plan is to improve city practices and help citizens make good choices when it comes to the environment, especially when it comes to conserving water. With this in mind, the City of Selkirk is launching a Water Conservation Pilot Project (WCPP) to all residents in the city including single family residences, multi-family residences and commercial facilities.
Registration to this pilot project is limited to the first 500 toilets registered and eligible for replacement. This pilot project will replace your existing toilet(s) with new low-flow toilets. To qualify for the City’s WCPP you must hold an active City of Selkirk water utility account and be the property owner at the municipal address of the water utility account. For additional details on the pilot project, please refer to the terms and conditions section below.
The cost for the new toilet(s), installation, disposal, and applicable taxes will be added to the utility account in seven (7) equal payments starting the first utility bill following installation. Any additional or repair works required over and above the basic installation costs are payable on the first utility bill due after completion of the works. Once you have the new toilet(s) installed you will also receive a $25 Chamber Dollars voucher (Maximum one (1) voucher per utility account) to be used at any participating locations .
At the same time you will benefit from Manitoba Hydro’s Water and Energy Saver Program (WESP) to have shower heads, kitchen and bathroom aerators installed. All installations of the new water conserving models will be done by Ecofitt. For those that qualify for Manitoba Hydro’s WESP there would be no cost for the low-flow shower head(s), kitchen and bathroom faucets as these would be paid for by Manitoba Hydro’s WESP. To qualify for the Manitoba Hydro’s WESP, you must be pre-approved during the registration process by Manitoba Hydro. Please visit Manitoba Hydro’s website.
To register for the City of Selkirk’s WCPP, please provide the information required below, OR you can call 1-204-785-4903, OR visit the offices at 200 Eaton Avenue or 739 Sophia Street to apply.
By completing your registration to this water conservation pilot project you agree to the collection of your personal information being used as described above.
This form has been removed, the Water Conservation Pilot Project is now closed.
The City of Selkirk Respects Your Privacy
The City of Selkirk is committed to promoting the protection, proper collection, privacy and use of your personal information in accordance with the requirements of Manitoba’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Acts (FIPPA).
This information will be used by the City of Selkirk for verifying your eligibility into the pilot project, and for registration into the pilot project. It may also include a possible follow up.
Your personal information will also be provided to our third party partners: Manitoba Hydro to verify your eligibility under their WESP program and to Ecofitt to schedule the installation.
In no case will your information be sold or used for individual marketing efforts.
Additional information on FIPPA can be found at the Manitoba Government’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) website or the Manitoba Ombudsman’s website at Manitoba Ombudsman – Access and Privacy Division, or by calling 1-204-945-3738 or 1-800-665-0531 (toll-free in Manitoba).
Frequently asked questions
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- What is the Water Conservation Pilot Project?
This is a City of Selkirk pilot project available to all utility account holders in the City of Selkirk. The intent of this project is to replace 500 existing toilets for City of Selkirk utility account holders, along with shower heads, kitchen and bathroom aerators with new water conserving models. Anyone with a City of Selkirk utility account can apply, whether it is a single family household (with one or more toilets), multi-family residential, commercial utility account, or a complex with 30 or more rental units.
The cost of the toilet(s), their installation, and disposal will be added to your utility bill. These costs will be equally spread across the next seven (7) quarters (21 months). Any additional costs related to the installation will be added to your first utility bill following installation. And as an additional incentive, once the new water conserving toilet(s) are installed you will receive a $25 Selkirk Chamber Dollars voucher.
- Why Water Conservation?
As time goes on, more and more water users will compete for the same finite water supply. This means an increase in water efficiency and conservation are needed to ensure constant supply and a balance of its quality, to what we have grown to expect.
Water conservation will help reduce your water usage, which could lower your bill and it is beneficial to the environment.
How much water you save will vary based on your usage, number of people and number and type of devices installed.
- How do I qualify?
- Must hold an active City of Selkirk water utility account AND;
- Must be the property owner at the municipal address of the water utility account AND;
- Limited to properties within the City of Selkirk.
- How do I apply?
There are 4 ways to register:- Using the City of Selkirk website registration form MySelkirk.ca/WaterConservation
- By emailing ([email protected])
- By telephone (204) 785-4903
- In person, by coming to 200 Eaton or 739 Sophia to complete a registration form
- How do I apply if I am a renter?
For those that rent and wish to take advantage of the pilot project, contact your landlord/property owner and encourage them to register. Applications will only be accepted from the property owners.
- Does the pilot project apply to those just outside the City of Selkirk boundaries such as East Selkirk or St. Andrews?
No, the pilot project is only for a City of Selkirk Property Owner that has an active City of Selkirk water utility account and for properties located within the City of Selkirk.
- Does the pilot project apply to apartment, or commercial businesses?
Yes. Providing you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in question #3.
- How long will this pilot project be available?
The period of registration for the pilot project runs until March 31, 2017. Or until the 500 toilet limit is reached, if reached prior to March 31st.
- Once I apply what happens?
- The City will check the information you provided and confirm your eligibility into the pilot project.
- The City will pass your contact information to Ecofitt and a representative will contact you to arrange an appointment to install the toilet(s).
- What are the costs?
With the City of Selkirk’s Water Conservation Pilot Project (WCPP) the cost of the toilet, basic installation and taxes are typically $377.15 per toilet. With Manitoba Hydro’s Water and Energy Saver Program (WESP) the cost and installation of the shower heads and sink aerators is completed free of charge to eligible Manitoba Hydro customers.
Depending on the toilet installation, there may be additional costs (please refer to the table below). We will not know the additional costs until a representative arrives on-site to perform the replacement of your toilet(s). You will be informed of all costs on-site in advance of the work proceeding.
Once the toilet is removed, in the unlikely event that structural or more serious issues are discovered, Ecofitt will inform the home owner of their options and potential costs before work will proceed.
Please note there is a $50 false trip charge, if you have an appointment scheduled and fail to show up this charge would come into effect. Please provide 24 Hour notice to Ecofitt if you wish to reschedule or cancel your appointment.
| Description of additional potential costs: | Parts and Labour |
| Double Gasket | $8 /ea. |
| Silicone Toilet | $6 /ea. |
| Repair Toilet Flange | $36 /ea. |
| Grind Toilet Flange | $19 /ea. |
| Replace Toilet Flange | $127 /ea. |
| Anchor Existing Toilet Flange (tap-con) | $19 /ea. |
| Install Piggy-Back Value | $42 /ea. |
| Install Toilet Shoe | $28 /ea. |
| False Trip Charge | $50 |
| Other (Labour per hour is $80.00 {minimum 1 hour}, plus parts) | $80 /hour |
- How do I pay for the toilet(s)?
- Once the installation is completed Ecofitt will provide the City with all costs associated with your particular install.
- The total cost of your toilet and installation (not including any additional costs) will be broken out into seven (7) equal payments, payable within 21 months (7 quarters) until the amount is paid in full. These amounts will be shown on your water utility bill. Payment of the new toilet(s) costs of installation will be a separate charge and included in to your water utility bill which comes to you quarterly.
- If the installation of your new toilet(s) resulted in additional costs (additional costs explained in question #10), the full amount of these additional costs will be included in the first utility bill you receive after installation.
- You can pay your utility bills, online through your financial institution, at our office 200 Eaton Avenue (by cash, cheque or debit, we do not accept credit cards), or through Pre-Authorized Payments.
- Am I charged any interest?
No we do not charge any interest. If the payment amount is not made by the utility bill due date, penalty of 1.25% per month will apply to the amount outstanding and will be continually added to the utility account for the period it remains outstanding.
- If I move or sell my home shortly after the toilet(s) is installed, who is responsible to pay for the toilet installation(s) costs?
The total remaining amount outstanding will be placed on your final water bill. It will not be transferred over to the new owner.
- Can I purchase the toilet(s) through the pilot project and do the installation myself?
No. In order to be eligible for the pilot project you must purchase and have the toilet(s) installed by Ecofitt.
- What if I can’t afford a toilet, but would like one?
There is a program offered by Manitoba Housing that all homeowners with low income are able to apply to for repairs to their home. Please follow the link below.
- How much will I save?
It is difficult to say as every house will be different but these are some average household examples of cost savings:
Based on 2.3 people in the household and 5 flushes per person per day, and an existing toilet of 13.2 liters per flush, the estimate saving for a single residence over one year is 35.26 Cubic Meters (m³) or 35,259 liters.
Based on the 2016 water and sewer rates, this equates to a cost savings of $122 per year.
- Will my water bill go down?
A reduced water bill is not guaranteed. Bill amounts are based on individual consumption, however we anticipate you will see a reduction in your utility costs.
- Is there a limit to number of toilets within a household?
No, you can replace every toilet, or just one.
- How do I receive the $25 voucher for Selkirk Chamber Dollars?
Once Ecofitt has installed the new toilet(s), they will issue the $25 voucher to the property owner that same day. Only the property owner can receive this voucher upon signing the work order acknowledging all costs related to the install. Only one voucher of $25 will be issued to the property owner.
- Where can I use the Selkirk Chamber Dollars?
At any participating Selkirk Chamber Of Commerce partners, visit the Selkirk Biz website for a full list.
- If I get more than one (1) toilet installed, do I receive additional Selkirk Chamber dollars?
No. The chamber dollars are only issued per utility account, not number of toilets installed.
- If I currently have a toilet in my residence that uses 4.8L or less or is the same 4.8L Niagara Flapperless toilet that is being installed in the pilot project, can I get the $25 voucher for the chamber dollars?
No. Eligibility for a voucher is a result of participating in this pilot project.
- What types of toilets are available?
The pilot project provides one type of toilet, the 4.8 liter Niagara Flapperless. It is available in either a round OR elongated bowl style, please click on the bowl style for toilet specifications. There is no cost difference between the two different styles. The type of toilet that you presently have may influence your decision.
For residential use it really comes down to a practicality or design choice or in some cases a house structure choice. Elongated bowls provide you with an additional two inches of space in front. Sometimes, room space can be a factor, as a round bowl being slightly smaller could make the difference between being able to close the bathroom door or not. As a general rule, most toilet bowls in residential installations are round and most commercial installations are elongated.
- What color choices are available for the toilet?
White is the only color choice available as this is the most common color choice for toilets.
- Who will install the low flow toilets and other water saving devices?
The City of Selkirk has contracted Ecofitt, a Canadian company to do the installation. Ecofitt’s sole focus is on energy conservation programs such as this across Canada.
The installations will be done by Ecofitt certified technicians. All work is done Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm. Ecofitt will call to schedule an appointment for the installation date and time.
All technicians wear identification badges. All Ecofitt technicians go through a full risk assessment through Manitoba hydro, which includes a complete criminal background check.
- Do I have to be present when they do the installation of the new toilet?
Yes. The property owner who applied for the pilot project has to be on site during installation to authorize the installation costs and receive their $25 Selkirk Chamber Dollars voucher.
- How long does the installation take?
In most cases, a typical installation of one toilet, two sink aerators and the shower head will take between 1 and 1 ½ hours.
- Once the installation is done, can I keep my old toilet?
No, we will be removing all old toilets as part of the pilot project.
- If I am not satisfied with the toilet from the pilot project after having it installed can I request to have my old one back?
No. After participation in the pilot project all installs are final.
- How do I become a certified Ecofitt technician?
Please contact Ecofitt at 1-877-326-3488 or 204-975-4965.
All technicians must complete a full background check, be bondable, basic mechanical skills/plumbing an asset, and training on the programs will be provided.
- What are the Warranty periods?
Toilets include a limited lifetime warranty on the porcelain and a ten year limited warranty on the parts. All toilet installations are warranted for a period of three months from the time of installation.
All showerheads and aerators come with a 10 year limited warranty on all showerheads. All showerheads and aerators installations are warranted for 30 days.
For additional warranty information please refer to the product specifications for the 4.8 Liter Niagara Flaperless round or elongated.
After the installation please contact Ecofitt at 1-877-326-3488 or (204) 975-4965 for warranty information, relating to leaks or breakage.
- Can you tell me more about these low flow aerators and shower heads provided by Manitoba Hydro at no charge for eligible utility account holders?
Through Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart Water and Energy Saver Program, they offer free Water & Energy Saver Kits that will help you save water and energy.
Each kit contains:
- 1 to 2 low-flow 5.7 litres per minute showerheads (choice of handheld massage or wall mount massage);
- 2 low-flow bathroom faucet aerators;
- 1 low-flow kitchen faucet aerator;
- 3 metres of water heater pipe wrap insulation;
- plumber’s tape;
- refrigerator/freezer thermometer.
If you would like more information or to apply for these kits please contact Ecofitt at 1-877-326-3488 or 204-975-4965 OR you can visit Manitoba Hydro’s website at the link provided below.
https://www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home/water_use/water_energy_saver_program/index.shtml
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Terms and Conditions
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Thank you for your interest in the Water Conservation Pilot Project for City of Selkirk water utility customers. Please read the following terms and conditions of the pilot project to determine eligibility and pilot project restrictions.
- By applying for a new toilet in this project, personal information listed on your application may be subject to disclosure to requesting parties involved, pursuant to Manitoba’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
- To qualify for this pilot project you must:
- Hold an active City of Selkirk water utility account AND;
- Be the property owner at the municipal address of the water utility account AND;
- Be limited to properties within the City of Selkirk.
- Renters will need to have the property owner apply.
- Participation in this pilot project limited to the first 500 toilets installed.
- For those who register after the 500 toilet limit has been reached their name will be added to a waiting list.
- Property owner agrees to pay all costs related to the installation & material cost of the new toilet(s), these costs include, but are not limited to: installation cost, cost of new toilet(s), disposal, any additional costs that may arise resulting from the installation, plus applicable taxes.
- The owner is responsible for the costs of any additional works required for the installation of the toilet(s) that is in addition to the basic removal of the existing toilet(s) and installation of the new toilet(s). Any additional works performed will be payable in full on the first utility bill after installation. For more information on additional costs please see the Frequently Asked Questions item #10.
- Application for registration in the project will be starting January 16, 2017, up until March 31st, 2017, or until the 500 toilet maximum is reached, if reached prior to March 31st.
- Property owners can register for the project in any of the following ways:
- Online at MySelkirk.ca/WaterConservation,
- By calling (204) 785-4903,
- By emailing [email protected] ,
- In-person at the City Civic Office at 200 Eaton Avenue,
- In-person at the City Operations Department at 739 Sophia Street.
- Installation for the replacement of your existing toilet(s) with a new toilet(s) will take place from January 16, 2017 to April 6, 2017, only.
- For all eligible participants, the new toilet(s) installed will be a new 4.8 liter Niagara Flapperless Toilet.
- Installation for the replacement of existing toilet(s) with new toilet(s) will be performed by Ecofitt, a Canadian company, contracted by the City of Selkirk.
- Installation for the replacement of shower head(s), kitchen and bathroom faucets will be performed by Ecofitt, in part with the Manitoba Hydro’s Water and Energy Saver Program.
- Please note there is a $50 false trip charge, if you have an appointment scheduled and fail to show up this charge would come into effect. Payment of the $50 false trip charge is payable on the first utility bill due after the appointment date.
- Warranty work and any post installation related questions will be provided by Ecofitt.
- Payment of all installation costs for the new toilet(s) is averaged out over the next seven (7) quarters (21 months).
- Payment of all additional costs are payable on the first utility bill due after completion of the installation(s).
- The charges that can be added to your utility bill are for removal of toilet(s), labour, toilet installation(s), the product and any additional costs related to the installation. Any work not performed by Ecofitt will be the sole responsibility of the property owner and will not be added to the utility account.
- Payment amount per toilet installation will be fixed at $53.88 on each utility bill for the next seven (7) quarters (21 months) until installation costs are paid in full.
- For those that choose to participate in the pilot project there will be no interest charged.
- If the payment amount is not made by the utility bill due date, penalty of 1.25% per month will apply to the amount outstanding and will be continually added to the utility account for the period it remains outstanding.
- A $25 Selkirk Chamber Dollars voucher will be issued to eligible participants in the project that have their existing toilet(s) replaced with the new toilet outlined in the project.
- To be eligible for the $25 Chamber Dollars, you must be a participant in the project.
- The $25 Selkirk Chamber Dollars voucher will be issued after the installation(s), on the day of installation to the property owner.
- The $25 Selkirk Chamber Dollars voucher will be limited to one per water utility account not per toilet installed.
- A reduced water bill is not guaranteed.
- Email addresses provided on the application may be used to communicate additional available conservation programs
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