Security rebate program’s $2M budget eaten up

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This article was published 28/08/2024 (443 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government wouldn’t say Tuesday if it will extend its new home and small-business security rebate program, after a $1.5-million top-up ran dry within days amid significant demand.

Applications for the program are no longer being accepted.

The province announced in June a maximum $300 rebate on a first-come, first-served basis to homeowners, renters and small-business owners who’ve purchased and installed qualifying security equipment since Sept. 1, 2023.

The initial budget was $500,000.

The program was oversubscribed within days, resulting in the budget being quadrupled to $2 million on Aug. 16. By then, more than 7,500 Manitobans had applied for a rebate, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said at the time.

A provincial spokesperson said Tuesday rebates began to be distributed that day, and the expanded program was “fully subscribed” last Friday.

“The program was able to accept close to 8,800 applications, and it is expected the full $2 million in rebates will be distributed,” the spokesperson wrote in an email.

Wiebe called the program a “massive success” on Tuesday. He said the program will now be evaluated, but he wouldn’t say if it will be extended with additional funding.

“We’re very happy with how the program was received,” he said. “The effect that it is having is making whole communities safe.”

Wiebe said the province knew the additional $1.5 million would “go out the door quick” when announced, given the demand at that time.

As for whether the NDP could have done anything differently prior to the June launch, Wiebe said it was a new program in Manitoba and the government hoped it would be well-received.

The application form, when available, required applicants to submit several documents, including a receipt and photo proof of installation, according to the government’s website.

Doorbell cameras, alarm systems, motion detectors, reinforced doors and windows and anti-graffiti paint were among the security equipment eligible for rebates.

Manitobans were allowed to apply once for one property, location or rental unit. The province said it could take several weeks for an application to be reviewed due to the high volume of online submissions. Paper applications were not accepted.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business wants Manitoba to continue the program with higher rebates for small businesses.

Small-business owners are spending into the tens of thousands of dollars on security, said Brianna Solberg, CFIB’s director of provincial affairs for the Prairies.

Prior to the program’s launch, a survey of CFIB’s roughly 4,000 members in Manitoba found 29 per cent intended to apply for a rebate, while 37 per cent said the maximum amount of $300 was not sufficient.

“These are Band-Aid solutions to the problem,” she said, noting cameras or other equipment will not put an end to thefts or vandalism.

CFIB will conduct another survey to find out how many members applied for a rebate. The organization has requested a total from the province.

CFIB also wants Manitoba to introduce a rebate to help offset the cost of commercial vandalism repairs.

A new B.C. government program for small businesses provides a one-time reparative rebate of up to $2,000, and a one-time preventative rebate of up to $1,000 to those who meet eligibility criteria. B.C. has budgeted $10.5 million for rebates.

» Winnipeg Free Press