qathet Regional District (qRD) will be applying to continue on with its wood stove exchange program.
At the September 30 regional board meeting, directors voted to apply for funding from the provincial wood stove exchange program for 2021 and that $10,250 be included in the 2021 solid waste management service budget for advertising, education and awareness, and rebate top-ups for the program.
According to a staff report, in 2019 and 2020, qRD successfully participated in the wood stove exchange program. In 2019, 87 per cent of the rebates were utilized and rebate uptake in 2020 has been strong, with 23 of 30 rebates having been reserved by residents. Rebates through the program are available to municipal residents, all rural electoral area residents and Tla’amin Nation residents.
Abby McLennan, from the Let’s Talk Trash team, said for the 2020 program, there are still rebates available. They must be completed by November 30 and range from $400, replacing an old stove with a newly certified wood stove, to $550, replacing an old stove with an electric, pellet, propane, natural gas stove or heat pump.
“qathet Regional District is keen to maintain low particulate matter levels and being able to offer a financial incentive through rebates to encourage homeowners to change out old, inefficient wood-burning appliances, is a contributing pillar in the long term sustainability of our air quality,” said McLennan. “In attempting to address our region’s strategic goal of lowering our carbon footprint, participating in this provincial program lends direct support to this target, while at the same time contributing to improved air quality in our region, as well as our neighbour’s.”
To receive the rebate, the old wood stove must be inspected by a wood energy technical training-certified technician to verify the appliance is non-EPA certified. If the old wood burning appliance is being replaced with a new one, the technician must certify that the new appliance and chimney meet current standards.
To qualify, the appliance being replaced must be used as a primary heating source and be a non-EPA-certified appliance.
For more information on the program, or to receive a brochure application form, email info@letstalktrash.ca.
