Campbell River residents are being offered $250 to swap out their old wood stoves for newer versions.
The provincial government, in partnership with the BC Lung Association, is continuing its Provincial Wood Stove Exchange Program, encouraging homeowners to replace older models with newer, cleaner-burning versions and providing them with a $250 grant for doing so.
Campbell River is one of the 13 communities and regional districts that will be receiving funding from the program this year, which is hoping to see 600 more stoves exchanged province-wide.
According to the government release on the program, there are close to 70,000 older-model wood stoves in use around the province, effecting the health of homeowners, neighbours and overall air shed health.
“Smoke from older higher-polluting wood stoves, in combination with the cold still nights of winter, has a significant impact on air quality,” according to the release.
“This is one of the leading reasons why some areas of B.C. see more air quality advisories at this time of year.
“This provincial funding will motivate hundreds of homeowners to swap their old wood stoves with more efficient, cleaner burning models that will significantly reduce emissions in their communities,” said Minister of Environment Mary Polak.
To find out more about the exchange program or get tips for wood burning and your health head visit the BC Lung Association’s website at www.bc.lung.ca or the Ministry of Environment’s website at www.env.gov.bc.ca