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(250) 352-8161
Representing Diverse Communities in the Kootenays
Since 2009 the RDCK has been collaborating with local municipalities to help residents save money and improve local air quality through the Community wood smoke 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:
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:
RDCK Environmental Services Department
PH: (250) 352-8161 or Toll Free 1-800-268-7325
Email: RRDept@rdck.bc.ca
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:
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 August 3 2023 at 1:39 AM