16 - Friday, November 28, 1986 - North Shore News Time running out on $500 federal grant for natural gas conversions TIME IS running out for com- muters and fleet operators who wish to take advantage of the fed- eral grant for converting vehicles to natural gas. Energy, Mines and Resources Canada offers a taxable contribu- tion to both commercial and private vehicles of up to $500. However, the grant program is scheduled to end March 31, 1987. British Columbians have been the mest enthusiastic participants in the grant program, with 40 per cent of all federal NGV_ conver- sions during the first 40 menths (through July 31, 1986) of the scheduled 48-month program. The federal government has not yet made a final decision concern- ing the prospect of extending the grant program and B.C. Hydro is concerned about the last-minute rush which could occur with peo- ple trying to take advantage of the grant before the March 31 deadline. “We experienced this problem when the federal government's COSP furnace conversion grant ended,"’ said Bob Martin, manager of Hydro’s advertising and promo- tion department. “Some people applied too late and missed the opportunity to be eligible for the grant. “With natural gas vehicle con- versions, the public should be aware that the work on converting vehicles must be completed by the March 31, 1987, deadline to be eligible for the grant. “There could be big demands for conversion equipment and shop/installer time as the deadline approaches.”’ The natural gas industry has ex- pressed concern that the federai grant for conversions is ending at a critical period in the development of the industry. _ The Canadian Gas Association has made these concerns known to the federal government in a brief and asked that the grant be ex- CONVERT YOUR CAR TO A DUAL A Lad f COLOUR TV “That's right! Switch to a CNG Twin Fuel System now. and get this beautiful Philips 14" colour TV, valued at $399, absolutely FREE! e Monitor style e Electronic tuning !2 preset favourite channels « Dark-lite tube e Automatic colour NOTE: This is a limited offer and applies only to new conversion orders laced after Nov. 17, 1986 at participating CNG dealers. This offer may not be combined with other offers or discounts. FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONVERSION ESTIMATE PHONE 732-SAVE CNG# FUEL SYSTEMS NATURAL GAS/GASOLINE “And that's not all! Gasoline prices are going up: Natural Gas prices are going down. When you switch to Natural Gas, you cut your fuel bills almost in half. Oil and plugs last longer and so does your engine. There's no pollution and you're helping Canada become self-sufficient” ACT NOW TIME’S RUNNING OUT. Natural Gas t0 Go In B.C, it’s the only way to go. tended and expanded. Hydro’s advice, to customers inquiring about natural gas vehicle conversions, will emphasize that the federal grant is due to expire in March, 1987. : “It is important that the natural gas conversion industry get this message out to the public so cus- tomers can avoid last-minute rushes, backlogs and disappoint- ments as the deadline ap- proaches,’* Martin said. STOCKING THE woodpile in preparation for the cold winter months has become a regular part of life for many Canadian fami- lies. For some, this is a do-it-yourself job. However, most Canadians are not fortunate enough to own or have access to a woodlot, and the demand for -dealer-supplied firewood is growing. Firewood dealers regularly advertise in local newspapers and on community billboards. Early spring is the off-season for dealers, which is one good reason you should buy your firewood then. But there is a more impor- tant one. Wood cut in the winter and sold in the spring has had time to dry and season properly. Seasoned firewood burns more efficientiy, giving more heat to the house per cord of wood while lessening the potential for dangerous creosote build up in the chimney. More than half the moisture in freshly cut wood will evaporate over the summer if the wood is split and stored under cover. If you buy your firewood in the fall, attempt to find wood that has had time to dry in a dealer’s yard. Thoroughly air-dried firewood wiil have open cracks in the end sur- faces. Make sure you know what you're getting when you purchase firewood from a_ dealer. The common cord measurement for firewood is 1.2mx 1.2mx 2.4m (4° x 4’ x 8”). However, other measurements are also used, including ‘stove cords’ and ‘face cords’. A stove or face cord of 40 cm (16 inch) wood is one third of a full cord of 120 cm (48 inch) wood and thus can also be called a third cord. Dense hardwoods, such as maple, oak and ash, are preferable for wood heating and command premium prices. Softer, less dense species, such as poplar and spruce, are much less expensive and are ideal for small, fast fires in the spring and fall, when high heat output is not needed. You can reduce the cost of your firewood by purchasing full logs and cutting and splitting them yourself. If you can find a dealer who will supply wood in this form, the savings can be significant. However, some species, such as elm, are difficult to split. It may be worth while to join forces.