Calgary’s roofing rebate program is oversubscribed, but there’s a desire to look at additional help to satisfy eligible homeowners.

Council approved an additional $3.25 million for the 2022 roofing rebate in last November’s budget adjustment. If eligible, Calgary applicants can receive $3,000 for new resilient roofing. The program was put in place after the devastating June 2020 hailstorm that hit northeast and southeast Calgary.

It’s been a popular program that already has a waiting list for this season after extending eligibility.

“It was an overwhelming response, and it’s great to see that response to this program,” said Kris Dietrich, manager of the roofing rebate program.

“It’s the sheer volume that has slowed down our review process.”

There have been 2,472 applications submitted, and 947 rebates granted as of March 24, 2022. The last funding tranche allows for roughly 1,100 additional applicants.

Funding doesn’t match applications

The City is looking at applications that have been submitted the week of Jan 16, 2022. They received 672 applications in the first two weeks of the extended eligibility, and 1,500 in the first six weeks.

“We’re about 72 per cent through that funding right now, and we are going back to committee and council in April to give them an update on the program and see what the future of the program looks like from there,” said Dietrich.

The program ends May 31 or when money runs out.

Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal said he believes the item will come up again in the four-year budget later this year. For now, he’s examining options to meet the need today.

“The numbers are telling us that there is a desire and so that’s going to be my push to kind of continue it,” Dhaliwal said.

He’s not sure if there’s potential for city reserve cash to meet the boosted demand.

“Those are the discussions I’m going to have here in the coming days,” Dhaliwal said.

Requirements for Calgary roofing rebate

Applicants will only receive the rebate if they meet specific criteria. The eligibility was opened to all Calgarians as of Jan. 1, 2022.

The property is a single-family, semi-detached or duplex home. Homeowners must be in good standing on their property tax.

They must use Class 4 rated roofing that meets the requirements.

If the roofing contractor isn’t a member of the Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA) or Alberta Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA), a roof inspection report must be completed by an approved AARA or ARCA roof inspector, confirming proper product and installation.

A receipt and proof of purchase for the installation and purchase of resilient roofing material.

Before the new eligibility, all homeowners that applied had to have sustained damage from the June 2020 hailstorm.

“We’re really happy with what we’ve done as far as educating homeowners on resilient building materials – especially around roofing,” said Dietrich.