Kelowna News

Over the next two months many Central Okanagan residents will help to reduce air pollution and save some money.

During March and April, anyone replacing an old wood-burning appliance with a new, cleaner-burning and higher efficiency one from a participating retailer can take advantage of the savings offered during the 10th annual Great Okanagan-Similkameen Wood Stove Change Out Program.

The Regional Air Quality program gives consumers a $250 rebate (funding is limited) when they purchase a new EPA/CSA emission-approved wood, gas, pellet or electric appliance and replace their old smoke-belching wood stove.

Participating manufacturers, distributors and retailers also offer a minimum rebate of $150 off the suggested retail price of new EPA/CSA approved replacement appliances. Consumers receive the rebate when they surrender their old wood burning appliance for recycling.

This program has made a significant difference when it comes to air quality in the Central Okanagan. Valley-wide over the past nine years, 1,256 old wood burning appliances have been traded in for new, certified cleaner burning ones. As a result, approximately 450 tonnes of smoke particulates have been kept out of our airshed. That equates to approximately 15,000 fewer cords of wood burned, a woodpile lined up end to end running the length of 363 football fields.

Regional Air Quality Program Coordinator Nicole Marzinzik says, “It’s clear that wood stove smoke contributes to poor air quality. Replacing old wood burners with new certified appliances will help to make a difference since they burn 1/3 less wood and reduce smoke by up to 90 per cent.”

To learn more about new technology wood stoves and the Change Out program, you’re invited to attend a free ‘Wood Heat Workshop and Showcase’ on Wednesday April 7 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the City of Kelowna Council Chamber (1435 Water Street).

The ‘Wood Stove Change Out Program’ is a limited time offer ending April 30th. For more information, a list of participating retailers or other program details visit regionaldistrict.com or kelowna.ca. You may also contact Nicole Marzinzik at 250-469-8408.