02/25/2026
Irrigation Upgrades & Soil Improvements Rebate
On the 'wet coast' of BC, it is easy to take our water supply for granted. In dry summer months, water consumption triples, even though there is much less water available. Most of this is used to 'inefficiently' water lawns and gardens.
The Irrigation Upgrades & Soil Improvements Rebate program was created to help residents conserve water outdoors by
improving the water efficiency of automated irrigation systems and/or by improving the water-holding capacity of soil
through addition of nutrient-rich amendments. Make yours a WaterSmart garden (visit www.RDNrebates.ca for details).
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REBATE:
• Must be a residential landowner within the RDN, including electoral areas (A, B, C, E, F, G, H) and member
municipalities (Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach).
• Soil Improvements must be completed on garden/landscape area of 37 m2 (400 ft2) or more, added
amendments must be 50 mm (2 inch) in depth for garden beds and 6 mm (1/4 inch) in depth for lawns.
• Irrigation Upgrades must be completed by an irrigation professional certified by the Irrigation Industry
Association of BC (IIABC). For a list of local professionals visit www.irrigationbc.com, click on "Find a Certified
Professional Here" and search by Classification ("Technician") and Area ("Vancouver Island/Coast").
• Each private property is eligible for one (1) rebate over the lifetime of the program.
• All work must be completed between January 1 and December 15, 2026
REBATE AMOUNT: Up to $1,075 per residential property is available to help offset the cost of landscape upgrades
to improve water efficiency. Applicants that complete both Irrigation Upgrades & Soil Improvements are eligible to
receive a $100 bonus!
PRE-APPROVAL AND CLAIMS: A limited number of rebates are available; funds are available on a first come, first served
basis. Apply for pre-approval to “reserve” funds for eligible work for up to 90 days. Claims must be received by
December 15, 2026. The RDN reserves the right to inspect or verify gardens prior to pre-approval. Any
qualified property that receives the rebate may be subject to onsite inspection, verification, or follow up contact by the
RDN.
Visit www.RDNrebates.ca to see other rebates available from the RDN
Regional District of Nanaimo ǀ 6300 Hammond Bay Road ǀ Nanaimo, BC ǀ V9T 6N2 ǀ [email protected]
Phone: 250-390-6560 (Nanaimo) 250-954-3792 (Oceanside) 1-877-607-4111 (Toll Free) ǀ Fax: 250-390-1542
Environmental Rebates The RDN offers rebates and incentives to residents in Electoral Areas and member municipalities. You may be eligible for funding to help make your property more sustainable and climate-friendly.