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Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Residential Indoor Wood Burning is prohibited from May 15 to September 15 unless the wood-burning device is operated within an off-grid residence that is located outside the ​Ur​ban Containment Boundary, or the wood-burning device is the sole source of heat.


Metro Vancouver residents are eligible to receive a rebate for trading in their old uncertified wood-burning device for a new low emission model, through Metro Vancouver’s Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program.​

​​ ​
​​​New Device Type​​
(Exchange from Uncertified Wood Burning Device)
Rebate Amounts
​​Metro Vancouver ​​​First Nation Communities ​​​​
Electric Heat Pump
​​$1,500​​$3,000​
Pellet Stove​​$1,000​​​$2,000
Certified Wood-Burning Device
$600​​​$1,200
Electric Insert​​$400$400
U​ncertified Wood-Burning Device Removal​​$300 ​​​$300​​

You are eligible for First Nation Community rebates if you self-identify as Indigenous and reside in a First Nation Community.

Please note that:
  • Rebates are limited and will be issued to qualifying residents on a first come, first served basis. 
  • Only one rebate will be issued per property.
  • Rebates are only available for uncertified wood-burning devices that are the primary heating source for the home.
  • The total rebate will never be more than the cost of the device.
  • Rebates can be stacked with Better Homes BC and federal incentives where applicable, for additional rebates of up to $6,000​.
  • For uncertified wood stove to heat pump exchanges, an additional $300 incentive may be offered if the wood stove is removed and demolished.
  • A $300 incentive for the uncertified wood-burning device removal is available for the removal of the uncertified device without committing to a new heating device.

How to par​​ticipate​​​

 

 

Step 1 – Determine if your 'old' wood-burning device qualifies for an exchangeStep 1 – Determine if your 'old' wood-burning device qualifies for an exchange<div class="ExternalClass178CE689C76A4C5EB25CC1772216C907"><p>The following devices qualify for a rebate under this program:</p><ul><li>A free-standing uncertified wood stove.</li><li>An uncertified fireplace insert, or tube type heat exchanger with a face plate and door (like the 'Free Heat Machine' or 'Welenco') that is currently installed in an open hearth fireplace.</li><li>An open hearth fireplace (must be replaced with an electric insert OR a pellet insert to qualify; wood-burning inserts are not eligible).​<br></li><li>An uncertified "wood furnace" (ducted, forced air, home heating appliance) - may only be replaced by an EPA certified wood furnace or pellet furnace or heat pump.</li><li>A "homemade" or "barrel" stove.</li><li>A wood-burning cook stove.<br></li></ul><div>Notes:<br></div><div><ul><li>​​​​Uncertified wood-burning devices are devices without an EPA or CSA B415 emission certification.<br></li></ul>​<br></div></div>
Step 2 – Shop for a new low emission deviceStep 2 – Shop for a new low emission device<div class="ExternalClassDD8F5C9AB746427588BAC23DF63A013C"><p>When you are ready to shop for your new low-emission device, visit a <a href="/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/wood-stove-exchange-program.pdf" target="_blank" title="participating retailer">participating retailer</a> to arrange purchase. The following NEW devices qualify as replacement devices under this program:</p><ul><li>An electric heat pump that meets the criteria for BC Hydro's <a href="https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/rebates-programs/home-renovation/renovating-heating-system/fuel-switching.html" target="_blank">heat pump rebate</a>. The heat pump must be listed on the <a href="https://app.bchydro.com/hero/HeatPumpLookup" target="_blank" title="Rebate-eligible heat pump">rebate-eligible heat pump list</a>.</li><li>An electric insert.</li><li>An EPA-certified wood stove or pellet stove.</li><li>An EPA-certified wood insert or pellet insert.</li><li>An EPA-certified factory-built wood fireplace – may only be accepted if it is replacing an uncertified wood stove or uncertified wood insert (not an existing factory-built fireplace).<br></li><li>An EPA or CSA B415 certified wood or pellet furnace ONLY if it is replacing an existing uncertified wood burning furnace.<br></li></ul><p>If you are removing an existing uncertified or certified wood-burning device, without installing a new unit, please contact Metro Vancouver’s Community Woo​​d Smoke Reduction Program Coordinator by emailing ​<a href="mailto:CWSRP@metrovancouver.org" target="_blank" title="Email CWSRP@metrovancouver.org">CWSRP@metrovancouver.org​</a>.​​​</p><ul class="fa-ul"><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span> <a href="/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/wood-stove-exchange-program.pdf" target="_blank" title="Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program - Participating Retailers">Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program - Participating Retailers</a></li>​ </ul>​ ​Notes:​ <ul><li>Certified wood-burning devices are devices with EPA or CSA B415 emission certification.</li></ul></div>
Step 3 – Obtain permitsStep 3 – Obtain permits<div class="ExternalClass2079407C00044B3980F2EDAED5401CEA"><ul><li>Contact your municipality about permitting requirements for the installation of your new device.</li><li>If you're installing a wood-burning unit, you may want to contact your home insurance company to find out whether they have any additional installation requirements.</li></ul> ​<br></div>
Step 4 – Remove, and Demolish/ Recycle your old device, and install new eligible unit through your participating retailerStep 4 – Remove, and Demolish/ Recycle your old device, and install new eligible unit through your participating retailer<div class="ExternalClassF0D2D31C85BD402FAF3A46792EB4A830"><ul><li>Remove the uncertified wood-burning device. Pictures of the device “before” and “after” removal are required. </li><li>Demolish or Recycle the removed wood- burning device. Pictures showing the demolished device i.e., removed device door, bludgeoned hinges and flue collar or recycle receipts are required. </li><li>Purchase and install the eligible replacement device through a participating retailer. </li></ul><div>Notes:<br></div><div><ul><li>Existing certified wood-burning devices can be kept ONLY following the installation of an electric heat pump. The existing certified wood-burning device must be verified by supporting documentation e.g., certification tag, plate or purchase receipts. </li></ul>​<br></div></div>
Step 5 – Fill out the application form and submit your application to Metro VancouverStep 5 – Fill out the application form and submit your application to Metro Vancouver<div class="ExternalClassB1D52734C66648858043A62310FD076E"><ul><li> <a href="/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/community-wood-smoke-reduction-program-application-form.pdf" target="_blank">Download the application form (PDF)​</a> or obtain a copy from a participating retailer.</li><li>Fill out and sign the Applicant Details section of the application form, the Retailer Details section is to be completed and signed by the participating retailer. </li><li>Submit your application form and supporting documentation to the participating retailer or email your application package to <a href="mailto:CWSRP@metrovancouver.org">CWSRP@metrovancouver.org</a>. </li></ul><p>It may take 8 – 10 weeks before you receive the rebate cheque via Canada Post following the submission of a completed application.​​​​​​<br></p>​<br></div>

 

 

Device Eligibility DetailsDevice Eligibility Details<div class="ExternalClassA46A7EB3FF0845D190D825163B9CA667"><p>Qualifying replacements by exchange type</p><div class="uk-overflow-auto">​​ ​ <table class="uk-table uk-table-small uk-table-divider uk-table-hover mv-border-top-cobalt mv-table-heading-cobalt mv-table-border uk-table-striped"><thead><tr><th class="uk-text-top">​​​​Device to be changed out </th><th>​​​​Q​ualifying Replacement Options</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Freestanding uncertified wood stove<br></td><td>Certified wood stove, certified pellet stove, approved electric heat pump</td></tr><tr><td>Homemade or barrel stove </td><td>​​Certified wood stove, certified pellet stove, approved electric heat pump</td></tr><tr><td>Uncertified wood-burning insert installed in an open hearth<br></td><td>Certified wood insert, certified pellet insert, approved electric heat pump, electric fireplace insert</td></tr><tr><td>Uncertified wood-burning furnace</td><td>Certified wood or pellet furnace, certified wood stove, certified pellet stove, approved electric heat pump</td></tr><tr><td>​Uncertified wood-burning cookstove</td><td>​​Certified wood stove, certified pellet stove, approved electric heat pump, certified cookstove</td></tr></tbody></table>​ </div><p>Notes:​​​</p><ul><li> <strong>Uncertified </strong>means a device without emissions certification from the CSA (B415) or the EPA (1990, 2015, or 2020 standards). Uncertified devices may have safety certification from the CSA, ULC and/or other certification bodie​s.</li><li>An <strong>approved electric heat pump</strong> must meet the criteria for BC’s Home Renovation Rebate and Clean BC Better Program.<br></li><li> <strong>Certified </strong>means a device is certified to meet the following emission levels: <ul><li>2020 EPA NSPS for Wood Heaters. </li><li>CSA B415-1 standard emission limits.<br></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Open hearth fireplaces</h3><ul><li>The program does not fund a new wood burning insert or wood burning fireplace to fit within an existing open-hearth fireplace that does NOT currently have an insert installed in it. An exchange of an existing wood device must take place.</li><li>Upgrades of open hearths to electric inserts are eligible. </li></ul><h3>Devices that do not qualify as replacements </h3><ul><li>A new wood-burning insert to an existing open-hearth fireplace that does not currently have an insert installed</li><li>Freestanding electric stoves, fireplaces and heaters.</li><li>Factory built fireplaces that do not have CSA or EPA certification. </li><li>Tin heaters, camp stoves, tent stoves, portable stoves, or devices not used in a residential application. </li><li>Natural gas stoves or fireplaces</li> <li>​Propane stoves or fireplaces</li></ul></div>

 

 

Residential Wood SmokeResidential Wood Smoke219170181

 Related links

 

 

Metro Vancouver Residential Indoor Wood Burning Bylawhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/environmental-regulation-enforcement/air-quality-regulatory-program/about-the-residential-indoor-wood-burning-bylaw, Metro Vancouver Residential Indoor Wood Burning BylawMetro Vancouver Residential Indoor Wood Burning Bylaw
BC Community Wood Smoke Reduction Programhttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-pollution/smoke-burning/smoke-reduction-program, BC Community Wood Smoke Reduction ProgramBC Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program
Tips for Burning Smarthttps://metrovancouver.org/services/environmental-regulation-enforcement/air-quality-regulatory-program/tips-for-burning-smart, Tips on Burning SmartTips for Burning Smart
Burn Wise: Learn Before You Burn (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/, Burn Wise: Learn Before You Burn (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Burn Wise: Learn Before You Burn (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA)http://www.youtube.com/user/HomeHeatingHelp, Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA)Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program Brochurehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/community-wood-smoke-reduction-program-brochure.pdf, Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program BrochureCommunity Wood Smoke Reduction Program Brochure
Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program Application Formhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/community-wood-smoke-reduction-program-application-form.pdf, Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program Application FormCommunity Wood Smoke Reduction Program Application Form

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