qathet Regional District will again be offering its wood stove exchange program in 2021.
According to the Let’s Talk Trash team, the regional district is working to replace old, smoky wood stoves that contribute particulate matter into the air with cleaner burning, more efficient models. Participants in the program can receive up to $550 when replacing their old wood stoves.
Chief administrative officer Al Radke said the program is very significant to the regional district board’s strategic priority of climate change and area of focus to respect climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“Since 2019, the qRD has been privileged to have been accepted into the wood stove exchange program promoted by the ministry of environment, and partially funded through the BC Lung Association,” said Radke. “There are many homes in our region with old, inefficient wood-burning stoves contributing particulate matter into the air, which can cause health problems or exacerbate existing respiratory conditions. Amid COVID-19, this is very concerning.
“Since we took on this initiative, we have assisted in replacing a total of 62 units with cleaner options. The continuation of the wood stove exchange program reduces wood stove replacement costs for residents and supports the long-term sustainability of our region’s air quality. In regard to climate change, we cannot do everything at once but we can chip away at the block.”
The maximum rebate of $550 can be claimed if a household replaces a non-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified wood stove with a heat pump, or a gas, propane or electric stove. There is a $400 rebate available to replace a non-EPA certified wood stove with a new EPA-certified wood stove. In order to claim a rebate, pre-approval is required by the regional district.
Those interested in the program should contact the Let’s Talk Trash team to find out more information about program requirements at 604.485.2260 or [email protected], or go to qathet.ca. Participants must fill in an application form in order to qualify for the program.
The regional district will issue a rebate cheque upon proof that a used, uncertified wood burning appliance has been replaced with a new, eligible heating appliance, that the new heating appliance has been properly installed and certified, and that the old wood burning appliance has been rendered unusable and has been recycled at the regional district recycling centre.
qathet Regional District has been provided $13,000 from the province to help underwrite the program in 2021.
According to the provincial wood exchange program website, around 9,000 wood-burning stoves have been replaced by cleaner heating appliances since the program began in 2008. The website states this is a reduction of approximately 300 tonnes annually of particulate matter released into the air.
BC Lung Association’s website states that wood smoke contains many small particulates that can be breathed in and cause breathing problems. For people with a lung disease, it can make matters worse.
