In an effort to improve the region’s air quality during the spring and summer months, new bylaw requirements limiting residential wood burning will start on May 15.
Residential wood smoke is the most significant source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in the region. Particulate matter, which is also in the wildfire smoke that has become pervasive in recent summers, can have negative health effects.
In March 2020, the Board of Directors adopted a new bylaw that is intended to reduce emissions from residential indoor wood burning. The new bylaw requires those with indoor wood burning appliances, such as fireplaces and wood stoves, to use best burning practices when operating their appliance. The bylaw includes measures that will be phased in over the coming years.
The first phase involves warm season restrictions from May 15 to September 15 every year. During this period, use of residential indoor wood-burning appliances will not be permitted unless it is the sole source of heat, in an off-grid home located outside the Urban Containment Boundary or there is an emergency.
Learn more about future phases of the bylaw and more.
Exchange Your Wood Stove
People who want to replace their older, uncertified wood-burning appliances with ones that are more energy efficient and comply with more stringent emissions standards, are invited to take part in Metro Vancouver’s regional Wood Stove Exchange Program. Metro Vancouver recently received an additional $60,000 from the provincial government in December to continue the program. Visit the program website for more details.
