REBATES ON HOME HEATING

BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO

The wait is over. The CVRD has updated their rebate programs for upgrading and removing wood-burning appliances.

The program is designed to help the Cowichan Valley embrace a climate-forward approach to heating appliances and reduce smoke pollution in the air. It is funded by the BC Lung Association, the Ministry of Environment and the Climate Change Strategy.

The BC Lung Association reports that “communities within the Cowichan Valley rank among the 20 worst polluters in British Columbia for [particulate matter] emissions.” These emissions have been a concern of the CVRD for several years. Island Health notes that “hospital admission rates for children with respiratory disease average 70 per cent higher in the Cowichan Valley than in other places in the province.”

The rebate program is similar to previous years, but it’s offering some new incentives.

The most environmentally friendly upgrade is to replace wood-burning appliances with heat pumps. The CVRD is providing a $2,200 incentive, and participating retailers are offering a $150 discount.

Replacing a woodstove or outdoor wood boiler with an EPA certified pellet stove is eligible for a $1500 incentive from the CVRD and a $50 discount from participating retailers.

While keeping wood-burning appliances is not ideal for reducing emissions, the CVRD still offers a $600 incentive to replace old appliances with newer EPA-certified woodstoves. This comes with a $50 discount offered by participating retailers.

Additionally, the CVRD is offering a separate $300 incentive for removing non-EPA certified wood-burning appliances without installing a new heating appliance.

On the topic of fires, British Columbia FireSmart is now offering rebates for Ladysmith, Duncan, and the CVRD electoral areas. FireSmart wants to support homeowners in “performing FireSmart activities on residential properties.” The goal of this program is to help communities and homeowners reduce damage from wildfires.

Emergency Management Cowichan, on behalf of the CVRD, the Town of Ladysmith, and the City of Duncan, offers free Wildfire Home Assessments.

Ladysmith Fire Chief Chris Geiger said the rebate program “will provide funding to families who want to take steps to protect their homes from wildfires, making us more resilient in the future.”

Applications for rebates of up to $4,000 depend on completing a free FireSmart Home Assessment.

To apply visit the CVRD’s website.