Last year to save: Upgrade or recycle your old wood stove today
Replace or recycle your old wood burning appliances with cleaner, more efficient technology
The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is encouraging residents to replace or recycle their old wood burning appliances with cleaner, more efficient technology. For the last year, residents who make the switch may be eligible for a rebate up to $1,500.
In partnership with the BC Ministry of Environment and BC Lung Foundation, the RDCO encourages residents to exchange old wood stoves for emission-certified products. Old wood-burning appliances are inefficient and a significant source of air pollution. Replacing them helps improve air quality in our community while upgrading to more efficient heating.
But residents are encouraged to act fast, as 2026 is expected to be the last year these rebates are offered to Central Okanagan residents.
“Over the past 25 years, the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program has reduced more than 51 tonnes of particulate matter (PM2.5), that’s the equivalent of taking 10,200 heavy-duty trucks off the road,” says Nancy Mora Castro, Regional Air Quality program coordinator. “Scientific and medical research proves that wood smoke contains toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health, and EPA-certified products are proven to reduce these toxins. By upgrading, residents benefit their own family’s health while helping ensure cleaner air for the entire community.”
2026 rebates (one per household):
- Emission-certified wood replacements (EPA 2020 or CAN/CSA B415.1): $600
- Westbank First Nation Members: $1,200
- New pellet stoves/inserts: $1,000
- Westbank First Nation Members: $2,000
- Electric heat pumps: $1,500
- Westbank First Nation Members: $3,000
- Bounty (recycle a wood burning appliance with no replacement): $300
- Electric inserts: $400
Residents can visit participating retailers, Fireplace Den & Deck, White’s Barbecue and Fireplace Centre, Stonecast Indoor Outdoor Impressions or FireCraft for help recycling old wood burning appliances and completing the rebate paperwork. Residents are encouraged to start the process early. For program details and requirements, visit: rdco.com/woodheating.
The RDCO Air Quality Program helps protect and improve the region's air through education, awareness, and pollution prevention programs. Find helpful information at rdco.com/airquality.
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