Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program

MORE PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR 2023 COMMUNITY WOOD SMOKE REDUCTION PROGRAM                        

Since 2009 the RDCK has been collaborating with local municipalities to help residents save money and improve local air quality through the Community wood smokw reduction program. The RDCK is one of 20 regions across BC to receive funding from the Province and the BC Lung Association to administer a local community wood smoke reduction program. All RDCK electoral areas and municipalities have also committed ‘top-up’ funding, bringing the total value of rebates to between $500 - $1,500 (depending on the type of new appliance installed and location of the property within the RDCK).

Approximately 20 rebates are available on a first-come, first- served basis.  The Provincial base rebate is $500 for a new qualifying wood stove; $400 for an electric insert; $750 for a pellet stove; and $1,000 for a heat pump. First Nation applicants will receive rebate amounts of $600 for a new woodstove, $1,000 for a Pellet Stoves, and $1,500 for Heat Pumps. Please note that the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program will no longer be accepting exchanges for propane or gas replacements.

Top-up rebates are as follows:

City of Castlegar 10 rebates of $100
Town of Creston 20 rebates of $100
Village of Kaslo 5 rebates of $100
Village of Nakusp 10 rebates of $100
City of Nelson Rebates of $100
Village of New Denver 5 rebates of $100
Village of Salmo 2 rebates of $100
Village of Silverton 3 rebates of $100
Village of Slocan 3 rebates of $100
RDCK maximum of 20 rebates of $100


In order to qualify for the rebate, residents must replace an old (pre-1994), uncertified wood stove with a new, locally purchased, EPA or CSA certified wood stove, gas stove, pellet stove, or insert. The stove must be in active use for home heating. One rebate permitted per property.  Old stoves must be dismantled and brought to a local landfill or transfer station for disposal. The disposal receipt must be signed and submitted with the application form.

The exchange of an older certified wood-burning stove (pre-2015) providing it is exchanged for non-wood burning options including a heat pump or a certified pellet stove is allowed under this program. 

To apply for a rebate:

  1. Check out the Community Wood Smoke Recuction Program Broschure for detailed information.
  2. Fill out the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program Application form.
  3. Mail or drop off your completed application and supporting documents to the RDCK Head Office in Nelson, BC, or email the documents RRDept@rdck.bc.ca  

Only complete applications will be considered for grants - on a first come first serve basis.  Grant quantities are limited.

Complete the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program Survey: CWSRP Survey.

Product Eligibility:
For more information on the products that are eligible for the rebate, visit the Province of BC's Provincial Wood Smoke Exchange Program website.

For further information, contact:
Ellen Skagerberg
RDCK Environmental Services Department
PH: (250) 352-8161 or Toll Free 1-800-268-7325
Email: RRDept@rdck.bc.ca

Burn It Smart

By following some simple guidelines, you can save money and help keep your community healthy.  Efficient wood burning can reduce smoke by 70 percent and cut your firewood needs by one third.

Top 5 Burn It Smart Tips:

  1. Use properly seasoned wood
  2. Never let your fire smolder
  3. Use a high efficiency, certified wood stove
  4. Have a certified technician maintain your stove and chimney regularly
  5. Never burn anything other than firewood and a small amount of newspaper

For more information on how to burn wood safely and efficiently, read the 'Burn It Smart' brochure.  For more information on why wood smoke is a persistent health concern, visit the BC Lung Associations' website.

Any personal information is collected pursuant to Section 26 of the Freedom of Information and the Protection of Privacy Act.  This information will be used for the purpose of evaluating eligibility for the Woodstove Exchange Program only.  Questions about the collection of this information may be directed to the Privacy Officer at 250-352-6665.

The content on this page was last updated March 9 2023 at 3:41 PM

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