Hinton, Alberta, residents looking to save water and cut down on their bills can now get $50 back when they buy a rain barrel from a local store. The Town of Hinton launched the Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program on June 2, 2026, with enough funding to cover about 250 barrels on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program is paid for by a $12,500 Roots for Resilience grant, a partnership between The Resilience Institute and the Canadian Red Cross. The grant was confirmed on April 21, 2026, and aims to help small communities build climate resilience.
To qualify, residents must buy a rain barrel in 2026 from an eligible retailer in Hinton or Yellowhead County. That includes Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Walmart, or the Hinton Community Garden Rain Barrel Fundraiser. After the purchase, they can apply online with a receipt and proof of residency. The rebate is limited to one per household.
Jordan Panasiuk, Hinton’s Chief Administrative Officer, said the program grew out of conversations with residents during the town’s Community Climate Risk Assessment, which wrapped up in 2024. That study flagged 15 climate vulnerabilities, with extreme heat, wildfires, wildfire smoke, and freezing rain topping the list. Water conservation was one of the actions recommended to help the community prepare.
“This program is a result of active community engagement during Hinton’s recent climate risk and vulnerability assessment,” Panasiuk said.
Residents can find more details and apply through the town’s website at hinton.ca. The program runs until the money runs out.
