Province brings back popular rebate for household security

Terry Lutomsky bought and installed home security cameras to get a provincial rebate last year, but by the time he applied, the program was out of money.

Now, he has a second chance to get some money back.

The provincial government announced Wednesday it is bringing back the rebate program for another year; $2 million has been budgeted, for a maximum rebate of $300 per homeowner.

“I’m working on the paperwork now,” the 64-year-old Lutomsky said on Wednesday.

“Last year, by the time I ordered two cameras and a doorbell camera, and I installed them after they came, we went to fill out the form and it was full. We didn’t get the chance to put an application in.”

But now, with his cameras already up and running for the last year, and armed with both a receipt and photographic proof the cameras are installed, Lutomsky hopes to get a rebate for the $292.19 pre-tax which he spent.

“I think this is a great program,” he said. “It’s a good deterrent. We already had three cameras at the back of our house and another in the front, but this allows us to put more up.”

The program, which is also open to cottage owners, will pay for security equipment or enhancements that have been installed starting Aug. 23, 2024.

The province will send out a maximum $300 rebate, on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners must submit a bill for purchase and installation, as well as a photo to prove it was installed.

Security cameras, doorbell cameras, alarm systems, motion detectors, and reinforced doors and windows are eligible expenses.

Last year, the province budgeted $500,000 to help homeowners, renters and small-business owners with their security equipment purchases since Sept. 1, 2023.

After that budget was depleted in days, the province added $1.5 million, allowing more than 8,800 Manitobans to apply before it was fully subscribed.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said those who didn’t get it last year, after the program was announced, have another chance.

“This rebate now is retroactive so we are making sure that anyone who applied from the last year can apply again,” Wiebe said.

“There was a lot of pent-up demand. This is a very popular and very successful program… I want government to spend this money… everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and community, and added security measures can help with that.”

Wiebe said a separate rebate program for small businesses will be announced later this year.

Tyler Slobogian, a policy analyst for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said they hope the province increases the rebate amount for small businesses. Last year, it was capped at the same $300 as homeowners.

“Many of our members didn’t even apply because it wasn’t much and it wasn’t worth the time filling out the paperwork,” Slobogian said.

“The median amount they spent on crime and community is $5,000 over the last two years and I’ve spoken to some who spent $10,000… we have given our recommendations to government earlier this year and we are very happy they are having the security program again.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca