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Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program
The Provincial Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program (CWSRP) (formerly the Provincial Wood Stove Exchange Program) provides Rebates for exchanging wood stoves for cleaner heating options. These products include wood stove, heat pumps and pellet stoves.
The program is in participating communities around the province, including the RDCK and our local municipalities. Most RDCK electoral areas and municipalities have committed to an additional Rebate for eligible residents. Rebate options are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Want to know more about wood smoke and clean burning practises?
Click here for the Online Wood Smoke Education Course from the Fraser Basin Council
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Provincial Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program: 2023/2024 Program
Guidance Link
In order to qualify for the Rebate through the RDCK, 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 electric insert
(*see updated incentive structure above for details) - Stove must be in active use for home heating.
- Only one Rebate permitted per property.
- Old stoves must be dismantled and brought to a local landfill or transfer station for disposal.
- The disposal receipt should say scrap metal 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, will be allowed under certain circumstances.
To apply for a Rebate:
- Check out the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program Brochure for detailed information.
- Fill out the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program Application form.
- Mail or drop off your completed application and supporting documents to the RDCK Nelson Head Office OR email the documents to: RRDept@rdck.bc.ca.
- Complete the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program Survey: CWSRP Survey.
*Only complete applications will be considered for grants - on a first come first serve basis. Grant quantities are limited.
*The Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program will no longer be accepting exchanges for propane or gas replacements.
For information on the products that are eligible for the rebate you can visit these sites:
- Province of BC's Provincial Wood Smoke Exchange Program website
- BC Lung Foundation Wood Smoke and Lung Health Website
- Click on this link to see if your old stove qualifies – it must NOT be found in this document
- Better Buildings BC
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 7 Burn It Smart Tips:
1. Build small, hot fires.
2. Ensure the wood is properly seasoned, with a water content of 20% or less.
3. Split wood into pieces 4” to 6” in diameter.
4. Store wood outside, off the ground and covered to keep it dry.
5. Never burn garbage or treated wood.
6. Use a high efficiency wood stove.
7. Ensure your stove is installed or inspected by a certified technician.
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.
For further information, contact:
RDCK Environmental Services Department
PH: (250) 352-8161 or Toll Free 1-800-268-7325
Email: RRDept@rdck.bc.ca
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 April 8 2024 at 2:20 AM