qathet Regional District's board has voted to offer the Provincial Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program in 2023, with rebates available on a first-come, first-served basis. The regional district has been selected for the past four years to participate in and administer the wood smoke reduction program for the area.
According to a staff report, in 2022, in total, 17 exchanges of old, inefficient wood-burning units were removed and upgraded to cleaner burning appliances, electric inserts or electric heat pumps. The report stated that the region has administered 121 change-outs to date.
The regional district moved in August 2022 that $10,250 be included in the 2023 solid waste management service budget for advertising, education and awareness, and rebate top-ups for the program.