The Cowichan Valley Regional District is now offering rebates of up to $600 to replace pre-1994 woodstoves with a cleaner-burning heating appliance such as a heat pump, gas stove, propane stove or EPA-certified pellet or woodstove.
“Residents who’ve participated in the program in previous years have noted reduced insurance costs, savings on home heating and improved indoor air quality,” noted CVRD chair Jon Lefebure. “Switching to a gas stove or heat pump means you can heat your home with the flick of a switch, benefiting everyone from the elderly to busy families. Participants who installed new certified woodstoves also found their new pellet and woodstoves can burn for up to 24 hours without having to add more wood.”
The Woodstove Replacement Program has been offered for almost 10 years by the CVRD in partnership with the B.C. Lung Association and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. The program aims to improve local air quality within the Cowichan region and reduce the health risks associated with particulate matter from old, inefficient wood burning appliances.
Since 2009, more than 800 Cowichan residents have taken advantage of the rebates and replaced their old woodstoves.
Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Available rebates always run out before the year end.
• Receive a $550 rebate and a $50 retailer discount when you replace your old woodstove with a heat pump or gas, propane or pellet stove.
• Receive a $300 rebate and a $50 retailer discount when you replace your old woodstove with a new EPA-certified woodstove.
Visit www.cvrd.bc.ca/woodstove for more information or contact the CVRD at 250-746-2530, 1-800-665-3955 or es@cvrd.bc.ca.