Rebates for security systems make sense
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More and more Elmwood residents want the province to work with municipalities, including the City of Winnipeg, to consider a province-wide tax rebate or other incentive program to encourage residents and businesses to purchase approved home and business security protection systems. They want to feel safer in their own homes and feel safer walking down the street. I’m sure other Manitobans feel the same way.
Access to an approved home-protection security system shouldn’t depend on the size of your pocketbook. The good news is that technologies are more affordable these days, especially with smartphones which enable residents and businesses to self-monitor their properties.
We can look to Chicago’s incentive program to point us in the proper direction. It’s open to residents, businesses, religious institutions and non-profit organizations. Renters can also apply. Eligible costs covered under their program include: up to $450 US reimbursement for up to two cameras; one year of subscription costs for cloud-based video storage systems for a maximum of $150 US per annual subscription; up to $200 for two lights; up to $100 US for two vehicle GPS tracking devices; one year of subscription costs for GPS tracking applications up to $120 US.
Supplied photo
Congratulations to all of Elmwood’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal recipients. Pictured at the Dec. 7 medal ceremony were (from left): Ashley Verot (John King), Janice Stuyck, Valerie Denesiuk, Lillian Thomas, Linda King (John King), Elmwood MLA Jim Maloway, Conn Gislason and Joseph Gatien. (Missing were David Harper, Catherine McFarlane, Glenn Walker and Sharon Walker.)
Could you benefit from any of these types of incentives yourself?
Many cities are doing what Chicago and Washington, D.C., have done when it comes to security rebate programs because they know these measures work. They deter potential burglaries and can reduce homeowners’ and businesses’ insurance costs. Insurance companies are also offering discounts because security systems reduce claims.
Let’s continue focusing on crime prevention with the understanding that the main drivers of crime are lack of food, addictions, and poverty. In the meantime, let’s look at helping the most vulnerable in our community by removing financial barriers for their personal protection and make our neighbourhoods safer.
For more information, please call my office at 204-415-1122 or email me at jim.maloway@yourmanitoba.ca