The BC Government along with the province’s Lung Association has provided $190,000 to 14 communities regional district’s through the Wood Stove Exchange program.
The Bulkley Valley and Lakes District Airshed Management Society received $8,700.
Minister of Environment Mary Polak says the program has seen continued success since 2008.
“Since 2008, communities around BC have received almost 2.7 million dollars in funding from the province and that means more than 7,000 wood-burning appliances have been replaced by cleaner burning models.”
Several rural and northern communities continue to battle this issue on a regular basis according to Polak. “We know that air quality especially in our rural communities is a significant issue for people and we are again providing just under 200 grand to 14 different areas or regional districts.”
The Wood Stove Exchange Program provides a $250 rebate when a new wood- burning, pellet or natural gas stove is purchased to replace an older model.
New emissions-certified wood stoves burn one-third less wood and reduce smoke and particulates by almost 70% .
In 2016, about 600 stoves were exchanged in BC with a goal of having similar amount exchanged in 2017.