Wood Stove Exchange Program still on!

Depending where you live there’s up to $1900.00 as incentive to recycle non-certified wood burning appliances and replace them with certified EPA appliances in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District.

$250.00 awaits you for an exchange of a non certified wood burning appliance for a certified word burning appliance

$400.00 awaits you for an exchange of a non certified wood burning appliance for a pellet, heat pump, gas or oil heater

Appliances (residences or shops) that can be changed out:
– a free-standing non-EPA certified “stove”, or a “homemade” or ‘barrel’ stove.
– a so-called “airtight” non-EPA certified 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.
– a non-EPA certified “wood furnace” (ducted, forced air, home heating appliance) – may only be replaced by an EPA certified wood furnace or Pellet furnace.

Appliances that qualify as replacement:
– Wood to wood…The replacement of an uncertified wood burning stove or insert with a qualifying EPA or CSA certified replacement or EPA or CSA certified wood furnace or an Enerchoice designated fireplace or insert. An EPA or CSA B415 certified wood or pellet furnace ONLY if it is replacing an existing uncertified wood-burning furnace.
– Wood to other…The change-out is to an appliance such as an EPA wood pellet stove, an Enerchoice designated electric heat pump (which meets BCHydro’s Rebate requirements)

Inspections and Permits: If you live in the Town of Smithers, They will waive the fee but you still need to apply for a building permit to swap out your wood burning appliance. Your home owners insurer may require a WETT Inspection or Building Inspection. The Town of Smithers will also require an inspection to fulfill their part of the rebate (they will accept a signature from either a WETT or building inspector). To receive the rebate from the BVLD AMS we require neither a permit nor inspection but do recommend it!

Conditions:
– residents live within Town or District boundaries for the additional rebates
– there is still money available for the program, first come first serve
– old appliances are recycled or decommissioned and proof is provided
– cleaner burning appliances such a pellet stove, an electric heat pump, or a gas or propane stove or EPA certified wood appliances are installed and proof provided

Process:
1. Resident pays retail price for stove and installation. Ask about manufacturer or retailer discount at the point of sale.
2. Resident arranges disposal of old stove to dealer or recycler for decommissioning. Dealer may be able to arrange this for you. These stoves are not to be resold!
3. Resident then gets signatures on form to confirm old is out and new is in.
Email coordinator@cleanairplan.ca or mail form to the attention of Ben Weinstein, Meteorologist, Ministry of the Environment, BAG 5000, 3726 Alfred Avenue, Smithers, BC, V0J 2N0
4. Hold ON!
The coordinator will confirm your rebate qualifications, email or notify you of receipt of the rebate request and contact your regional district or Town for fulfillment.
5. The coordinator and your Town or District office will mail you rebate checks when they are ready.

For those in the Town of Smithers

For more info. contact the Woodstove exchange Coordinator
Sue Brookes by email: coordinator@cleanairplan.ca, or for a program near you:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-pollution/smoke-burning/exchange/programs

Did You Know:
The BVLDAMS is a non profit society, responsible for implementing the Clean Air Plan of 2012 signed by Bulkley Valley and Lakes District stakeholders in clean air. Membership is free! To find out more: www.cleanairplan.ca
The Town of Smithers and Village of Hazleton Works Yards have kindly been serving as recyclers for years now! They are open business hours, 5 days a week.
If you live in the Town of Smithers,and want to show us this is your primary heat source, call us to arrange a visit and/or pics.