BANNING ALL WOOD STOVES IS A FLAWED APPROACH. WE CAN ALL DO BETTER.

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Here’s why the approach is flawed

1

Clean burning wood stoves are part of the solution

Certified, advanced technology (or high efficiency) wood stoves are not only up to 30 times cleaner burning, but also up to 30 times more efficient than non-certified units. That means less wood being burned to heat the same amount of space. The proper use of a certified wood stove will contribute to air quality improvements compared to the use of older, uncertified stoves and help achieve climate change objectives. These renewable fuel burning heaters are part of the solution.

2

Alternative solutions are being overlooked.

In 2021, HPBAC appeared as a delegation to the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, the Village of Cumberland, and the CVRD Board to present an Air Quality Improvement Proposal. The primary objective of the Proposal is to implement a plan that will achieve measurable improvement to air quality in the Comox Valley by using renewable, locally sourced wood. This plan will allow residents to enjoy freedom of choice in home heating while providing the means for replacing old, polluting stoves with modern cleaner technology.

The Three Pillars of the Proposal are:

  • Sustainable, dry and seasoned wood supply for clean burning
  • General and targeted wood stove exchange program
  • Comprehensive public education program

What We’re Requesting from Council:

  • Work with HPBAC and local members to implement this initiative
  • Where possible, provide financial and in-kind support recognizing the commitment of industry to lead and invest in the initiative
  • Replace existing bylaws with properly designed regulation that promotes improvements in air quality.
3

It leaves Comox residents without energy security

Did you know that since December 6th there have been over 319 reported power outages in the Comox Valley? One outage lasted as long as 28 hours. All-electric homes depend on one source of energy. On Vancouver Island, energy diversity is key to our safety in emergencies. Certified wood stoves provide energy security and affordable heat in the Comox Valley. Banning secondary heating sources like wood stoves leaves residents without options during power outages and catastrophes.

4

It ignores the economic, social, and cultural contributions that wood burning makes to residents of the Comox Valley. Why should these contributions be thrown away when they don’t have to be?

5

It ignores the expertise of local industry experts.

Industry has the expertise, experience, and is committed to efficient and well-designed regulation. We need their insight to create an effective Airshed Protection Strategy.

How can we all do better?

The CVRD and local Councils can:
  1. Listen to residents on solutions that are viable for this community.
  2. Listen to local industry experts
Local industry can:

  1. Help provide better access to local, dry wood with initiatives like the Wood lot program, which was previously dismissed by the CVRD.
  2. Help provide guidance on by-law development and switch-out programs based on successes from other jurisdictions.

Local residents can:

  1. Follow Burn Smart practices:

    1.Buy locally sourced wood.

    2.Burn only dry seasoned wood.

    3.Store wood properly.

  2. Perform regular wood stove maintenance.
  3. Upgrade to an EPA-certified wood stoves.

There is still time to save your wood stove.
Your voice is needed.

Contact the following people and voice your support.

Courtenay City Council

Bob Wells
Mayor
250-334-4441
[email protected]

Doug Hillian
Councillor
250-334-0693
[email protected]

David Frisch
Councillor
250-334-4441
[email protected]

Wendy Morin
Councillor
250-897-5568
[email protected]

Will Cole-Hamilton
Councillor
250-334-4441
[email protected]

Manno Theos
Councillor
250-334-4441
[email protected]

Melanie McCollum
Councillor
250-792-5808
[email protected]

If you’d like to help or be part of the campaign, please contact [email protected]