Wood Stove Exchange Program

Background/Overview

The Strathcona Regional District is offering a regional wood stove exchange pilot program in 2017. Residents from the villages of Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos and Sayward, and from each of the four electoral areas (A, B, C, and D) are eligible to apply for a $250 rebate when changing out their older, smoky wood stoves for lower-emission appliances, including new CSA-/EPA-certified wood stoves, pellet stoves and gas stove/fireplaces. 

The regional wood stove exchange program is part of a provincial initiative designed to encourage British Columbians to help improve community air quality. Changing out your old, smoky wood stove is good for the environment and your pocket book. New high efficiency stoves are designed to burn more effectively, using less wood and ultimately saving you money.

When the program was launched in 2017, there were 26 rebates available. There are approximately 11 vouchers remaining and they will be given to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. The wood stove exchange program has been extended, and will end on December 31, 2018.  Please ensure you take advantage of the opportunity before the program ends.

To learn more about the initiative, go to the Provincial Wood Stove Exchange Program website. 

Many people throughout our region use wood as a main source for heat in their homes, while others use wood stoves as a back-up. Unfortunately, wood smoke contains a number of pollutants that can be harmful to your health and help to create smog. It can cause eye, nose and throat irritations, as well as headaches, nausea and dizziness, and can affect people with heart or lung problems who are especially vulnerable. When using wood stoves, it is important to ensure you protect yourself and your family by installing smoke detectors and at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home. 

To learn more about how wood burning smoke affects air quality, see Health Canada's information on wood smoke and indoor air. 

How does it work?

If you have an old wood stove that you would like to change out, download a copy of the wood stove exchange program voucher and fill out all sections, including the voucher checklist on the second page, and return it to the Strathcona Regional District. Participating retailers can help you with this process.

                                 
                                                     (click on either image to download a copy of the voucher)

In order to qualify for the program, you must have an appliance that is presently in use for heating purposes in your home, and it must be a non-CSA/EPA certified stove built prior to November 1, 1994. A photo of the old stove, fireplace or wood burning furnace that is being changed out must be included with your voucher.  

Next, an approved appliance must be purchased and installed. Check with participating retailers to confirm your new stove qualifies for the program, and whether there are any additional manufacturer rebates available. Information on eligible replacement appliances can be found here. The regional district will require a copy of your purchase receipt and a photo of the newly installed appliance.

If the wood stove replacement is a solid fuel burning appliance or insert, you will require a copy of a WETT-certified technician's installation or inspection report of the stove and chimney assembly.

As part of the program, participating retailers will ensure your old appliance will be decommissioned; it cannot be reused. You will need the retailer's signature on your voucher verifying this step was completed and have them include a photo of the decommissioned stove.

Completed vouchers with all supporting materials may be dropped off or sent by mail to:

Strathcona Regional District
Attention: Wood Stove Exchange Program
301-990 Cedar Street
Campbell River, BC  V9W 7Z8

or by email to:  rebates@strathconard.ca

Participating Retailers

The following local retailers are participating in the wood stove exchange program:

• Guardian Services Gunsmoke
• Just Gas Ltd/Just Wood Stoves
• Quality Stoves & Fireplaces Ltd.
• Comox Valley Fireplace & Patio

More Resources

Additional information can be found here: 

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Clean Burning and Wood Smoke Resources

or by downloading a copy of the brochure

Questions?

Questions regarding the wood stove exchange pilot program can be directed to the SRD wood stove exchange program coordinator by calling 250-830-6700 or you can send an email to rebates@strathconard.ca.