Via the Comox Valley Regional District:

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) wood stove exchange program is continuing for 2017 with rebates being offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Available rebates include $250 for the purchase of new wood stoves, pellet stoves, energy efficient gas stoves or fireplaces. Five $1,000 rebates are available for those residents who upgrade their wood stoves to an electric air-source heat pump.

Compared to old, inefficient stoves, new wood stoves burn one-third less wood, reduce the risk of chimney fires and reduce smoke emissions, including particulate matter, by up to 90 per cent. Electric air-source heat pumps completely eliminate local particulate matter emissions, and cost about the same to operate as a new wood stove (where the wood is purchased for $200 per cord).

The rebates are available to registered owners of legal dwelling units throughout the Comox Valley who use wood for their primary heat source and who replace their old non-CSA/EPA certified wood stove for a new qualifying appliance.

Two ways to apply for a wood stove rebate:

• The CVRD has partnered with Bennett Sheet Metal and Heating, Comox Fireplace and Patio, and Rainforest Outdoor Living. These local heating appliance retailers will confirm your eligibility, provide a tracking number for your application, complete the installation, remove and decommission your old stove, and help complete your rebate application.   
• Residents who want to purchase their new appliance from another retailer, or personally handle the installation, can contact the CVRD’s wood stove exchange program coordinator at 250-650-2302 or by email at wsrebate@gmail.com to confirm their eligibility and get a tracking number.

For more information on the wood stove exchange program or to download an application form, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/woodstove.

Funding support for the Comox Valley wood stove exchange program has been provided by the BC Ministry of Environment and the BC Lung Association.

The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.