A program is now available for homeowners to exchange their old wood stoves for new efficient ones.
People will have seen the newspaper advertisements and the posters around town that state your old belching wood stove is wanted for a $250 reward.
"So far, only two people in the South Cariboo have taken advantage of this program," says local wood-stove exchange co-ordinator Patricia Spencer.
"There is a limit of 40 stove exchanges; we need more participants."
Spencer suggests people who are interested in exchanging their wood stoves for an energy efficient ones and receiving the $250 rebates should visit the three local participating retailers, including Cameo Plumbing and Heating, Burgess Plumbing, Heating and Electrical, and Mayvin Gas & Heat.
"Once you've made your purchase decision on an EAP certified stove, it is important to call the Woodstove Exchange Programs' toll free number 1-877-992-5833, and they will give you a tracking number."
She notes people must have a tracking number in order to qualify for rebates or permits.
Besides the $250 rebate from the provincial government, Spencer says there are rebates available from Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and the District of 100 Mile House.
"Council passed a resolution to waive the $50 permit fees for installations to wood stove exchange participants, and the CRD is offering rebates of $95 on permits."
The CRD rebates will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, she adds.
"People can then go to CRD office [South Cariboo Rec. Centre] to acquire their permit from the District of 100 Mile House or CRD, depending on where they live."
Qualifying products to replace the non-EPA wood-burning appliances are EPA-certified wood stove, pellet stove, gas stove or fireplace, or EPA-certified wood, pellet, electric or gas inserts, says Spencer.
"People should also be aware of the different manufacturer’s rebates. I believe they are available for a limited time and from what I understand the rebates are about $150."
Spencer recommends that people talk to the retailers about the various manufacturers rebates.< style=' margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt;} > "The intent of this program is to improve the air quality in our area and for our health. Inhaling particulate matter is bad for our health and respiratory illnesses such as asthma."< style=' margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt;} > Spencer says she hopes people will visit the displays set up at the district office and the South Cariboo Health Centre. < style=' margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt;} > "We also hope to have a burn trailer at the [Mega Show] at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre on April 29-31. It will be an interesting display, demonstrating the differences between the old smoke belching stoves and the new efficient ones."< style=' margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt;} > For more information on the exchange program, she suggests people call 1-877-992-5833, go online to www.bcairquaility.ca/topics/wood-stove and then talk to one of the local dealers.< style=' margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt;} >