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KAMLOOPS - A program aimed at reducing air pollution emissions one wood stove at a time could continue into 2019.

The wood stove exchange program was launched in January of this year, and city staff are seeking council's approval for funding to implement the program next year along with the waiving of the $50 solid fuel appliance building permit for eligible households.

Along with the renewal of the exchange program, council will also consider a pilot wood stove buyback program.

Since 2008, the provincial government has provided funding to help pay for a rebate to homeowners if they switch out old, smoky wood burning stoves for "cleaner heating options like heat pumps, gas or pellet stoves and cleaner burning wood stoves."

So far in Kamloops, 29 uncertified wood-burning appliances have been decommissioned, according to a report prepared for city council’s regular meeting tomorrow, Aug. 28.

“The objective of the Kamloops (wood stove) exchange program is to reduce residents’ impact on the environment by encouraging residents to change out older wood-burning stoves for low-emission appliances,” the report says.

A maximum of 40 exchanges were offered this year and the rebates ranged from $250 to $1,600 on a first come, first serve basis.

“The city administered a total of $20,850 in rebates, $10,300 of which was funded by the city’s Climate Action Fund, and $10,550 which was funded by the provincial exchange program,” the report says.

City staff are also recommending the city initiate a buyback pilot program which is not part of the provincial exchange program.

“Program participants would receive $250 for decommissioning and properly disposing of their uncertified, wood burning stove without having to exchange for a new certified appliance,” the report says. “Staff request $5,000 to fund up to 20 wood stove buyback resident rebates.”

City officials are asking council’s approval to transfer $15,900 from this year’s program funds to the 2019 exchange program. An additional $18,750 is also required from the provincial government and the city’s Climate Action Fund reserve.

It is also recommended the bylaw be amended to reflect the waiving of the $50 Solid Fuel Appliance Building Permit fee for eligible participants in the program.

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