A city grant for seniors could soon become a rebate.

At last Monday evening's council meeting, members approved first and second readings of a new seniors utility charges rebate bylaw.

When it is adopted after third reading, the current senior utilities grant bylaw would be repealed.

Last year, the city paid out $240,749 in senior utility grants. The money gives seniors a maximum of $500 back on their annual water, sewer and garbage charges each year.

The proposed new bylaw would put into writing the rules that are already established around the program, including the residency requirement matching that of the territory's Home Owner's Grant that applicants must occupy their home for at least 183 days.

"The residency requirement does not have to be continuous, but applicants are required to occupy their homes for at least 90 days during the six-month period between October and March," notes a report to council.

A definition of premises as "the principal residence or normal place of residence, within the City of Whitehorse, of the applicant" is also set out along with other changes, including stating only one utility rebate is payable each year to one person or home and that the rebate can be transferred to property tax or utility bills owed by the applicant.

"This clarifies our ability to reduce outstanding debt to the city and matches existing practice," reads a staff report to council.

"Further, in order to clarify that this rebate is intended to go only to qualified seniors, a clause is added to ensure that only applicants who fully pay their utilities are entitled to the rebate."

At last week's meeting, it was also confirmed that seniors are defined as being 65 years and older and those who rent their homes are eligible as well, provided they are paying for their utilities.