Contributed by the City of Revelstoke
The City of Revelstoke is offering $500 rebates on a first come, first serve basis to approved wood stove exchange program participants within the city in an effort to improve air quality by lowering smoke emissions.
The Wood Stove Exchange Program combines education and economic incentives to assist residents to operate their wood burning appliances efficiently and to exchange older smoky wood stoves for low emission appliances. Funding is limited and the deadline for completed applications is December 31 so act fast!
Mike Thomas, the Director of Engineering and Development Services commented on the program stating, “New technology appliances are proven to burn one-third less wood, reduce emissions by up to 70 per cent and significantly reduce risks of chimney fires. This program also supports local bylaws restricting the use of non-emission certified appliances.”
What qualifies?
— Any wood burning appliance currently providing heat to a residential or commercial building qualifies if it is not certified for efficiency and emission standards.
— Typically inserts or stoves manufactured before 1994 are not efficiently certified. As well, most indoor wood burning furnaces and outdoor wood burning boilers do not meet standards.
— A metal plate on the back of your unit will indicate the month and year of testing for EPA or CSA 415B standards.
What qualifies to replace?
— An EPA certified wood stove, pellet stove, high efficiency gas stove/fireplace, or an electric space heater.
— An EPA certified wood insert, pellet insert, high efficiency gas insert, or electric insert.
— An EPA certified factory-built fireplace may only be accepted if it is replacing a non-EPA certified wood stover of non-EPA certified wood insert (not an existing factory built fireplace).
What to do if you qualify:
— Residents can pick up instructions and a checklist package from the Engineering and Development Services department upstairs at city hall;
— Take out a building permit, which is paid for by the City of Revelstoke;
— Contact the building inspector to determine your eligibility.
For more information, please contact Engineering and Development Services at 250-837-3637.