Rebates of up to $1500 are available for Central Okanagan residents that recycle an old wood burning appliance with newer, cleaner burning technology. Upgrading outdoor wood boilers is now included in the rebate program along with increased incentives for Westbank First Nation members.
There are six participating Central Okanagan retailers that will recycle your old wood burner and handle all the necessary paperwork for the applicable rebate through the Regional District of Central Okanagan Air Quality Wood Stove Exchange program.
Rebates vary with the type of exchange. For those replacing and recycling their old uncertified, wood burning stove or wood furnace with:
- an emission certified wood replacement that meets the stringent emission limits (EPA) or electric insert will be eligible for a $300 rebate.
- a new pellet stove/insert, natural gas fireplace or a propane stove/insert applicants could get $500 rebate.
- an electric heat pump, applicants could get $750.
Program coordinator Nancy Mora Castro says, “it’s important to note that 2022 is the final year that propane and natural gas stoves/inserts will be eligible for rebates from the Wood Stove Exchange program, as they burn fossil fuels and produce carbon emissions, contributing to climate change and greenhouse gases.”
She adds, “transitioning to newer, cleaner burning technology appliances helps improve air quality by reducing smoke pollution and harmful particulate emissions as new units are more efficient.”
Additional incentives that can be provided along with this rebate may be available, so be sure to check with your local retailer, Clean BC or Fortis BC for more information. To take part in the program, visit one of the participating Central Okanagan retailers, check incentive levels, steps to exchange your old woodstove and requirements in our RDCO website or contact the Regional Air Quality Program for more information at airquality@kelowna.ca or 250-469-8408.
Useful information and a handy Burn It Smart online tool showing how get the most from your wood heating appliance can be found at rdco.com/airquality. The RDCO Air Quality Program helps protect and improve the region’s air through education, awareness, and pollution prevention programs.