Woodstove (91760646 © creativecommonsstockphotos | Dreamstime.com)

By Vernon Matters Staff

North Okanagan

Rebates rise for wood stove reduction program

Apr 12, 2023 | 10:30 AM

North Okanagan residents can take advantage of higher rebates for exchanging their wood stoves for more environmentally-friendly models.

Province wide, approximately 10,000 wood-burning stoves have been replaced by cleaner heating appliances since the program began in 2008.

Program officials say that has resulted in a reduction of about 300 tonnes a year of particulate matter released into the air.

The B.C. government, in partnership with the B.C. Lung Foundation, has made changes to the Coldstream/Lumby/Cherryville Wood Stove Reduction Program (formerly the Wood Stove Exchange Program) to align the program with the Clean BC Roadmap to 2030.

The following changes took effect on January 1, 2023:

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1. Rebates for upgrading uncertified wood appliances to CSA/EPA certified wood appliances have increased from $300 to $500.
2. Rebates for upgrading uncertified wood appliances to pellet appliances have increased from $500 to $750.
3. Rebates for upgrading uncertified wood appliances to heat pumps have increased from $750 to $1000.
4. The rebate for a new electric insert has increased from $300 to $400 where the rebate must be less than the cost of the appliance.
5. Outdoor Wood Boilers may be allowed as eligible for exchanges. Check with the local coordinator for more information.
6. For uncertified wood stove to heat pump exchanges, an additional $300 incentive may be available if the wood stove is removed and demolished.
7. Gas-fired and propane-fired appliances will no longer be accepted as replacements for wood-burning appliances.

Incentives can be combined with CleanBC incentives where applicable.

In addition, the Coldstream/Lumby/Cherryville Wood Smoke Reduction Program, administered by Lavington Life Society, has expanded its boundaries to include the Okanagan Indian Band.

First Nations’ Communities are eligible to receive a rebate of $1000 for an exchange from an uncertified wood stove to a CSA/EPA certified wood stove, $1500 for a pellet stove, and $2000 for a heat pump.

Coldstream residents are eligible for matching rebates from Lavington Pellet LP (Drax). The Village of Lumby offers an additional $250 rebate for the first two residents of the village that qualify.

Old stoves cannot be used again and must be destroyed with proof of recycling. To destroy a stove, remove the doors, smash the flue collar and take out the bricks.

For details, contact the program coordinator, Dian Wirth, at cswoodstove@shaw.ca or call 250 558 8207.