Program encourages replacement of older wood stoves
A $24,750 grant received by the Cowichan Valley Regional District will be used to encourage valley residents to replace their old wood stoves with cleaner-burning models.
The funding is being made available to 14 communities and regional districts by the Ministry of Environment to support wood stove exchange goals in 2013.
B.C. Environment Minister Terry Lake announced the cleaner-burning models will improve health and air quality and the goal is to have nearly 700 stoves exchanged across the province in the coming year.
In five years of the Provincial Wood Stove Exchange Program, more than 5,000 stoves have been replaced with cleaner-burning models.
It's estimated there are still 116,000 older model stoves still in use in B.C. The major concerns are how the older stoves affect the health of homeowners, their neighbours and overall airshed health.
"By upgrading to a new stove and following the tips to burn smarter, British Columbians can ensure better air quality in their communities and a more positive affect on their own health,'' said Lake in a press release.
Details on how valley residents can take advantage of the program have yet to be released.
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