The Comox Valley Regional District board approved Feb. 2 a rebate increase from $700 to $1,000 for those who rid their homes of old woodstoves.
Since 2016, the district has implemented a provincial program that changes out woodstoves that are at least five years old for cleaner heating options, including heat pumps, and gas or pellet stoves.
The program aims to reduce wood smoke pollution by providing rebate incentives, and by education and outreach.
“It is widely held that any reduction in PM2.5 levels has a positive impact on human health,” a staff report states.
Top up rebates in areas that are high in density and particulate matter concentrations aim to further reduce PM2.5 levels. Woodstove exchanges also help reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions. The 2021 Wood Smoke Reduction Program continues with additional top-ups in ‘hot spot’ areas, namely Cumberland and the west side of Courtenay.
