This year the Cariboo Wood Stove Change-Out program is again in place.
The program will run from Feb. 1 to April 30.
Residents who replace older, inefficient models with more efficient and clean-burning appliances can receive a number of rebates and incentives.
The program also applies to residents installing high-efficiency gas stoves, pellet stoves or inserts.
“Really it’s a good program,” said Coun. Sue Zacharius. “I hope everybody takes advantage of it.”
Within the boundaries of the Williams Lake airshed, the fist 25 stoves turned in are eligible for a $300 cash reward.
There is also a $250 provincial rebate, plus in-store discounts of up to $300 at participating retailers. For the first 25 woodstoves purchased for installation within Williams Lake city limits, the City will provide an $80 building-permit rebate.
There is also a chance to win one tonne of pellets donated by Pinnacle Pellet or a truck load of firewood.
The change-our program is designed to raise public awareness about the importance of smoke-free burning. There will be a free Burn it Smart workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 7 - 9:30 p.m. in the showroom of Western Wood Heat. Participants can enter to win a Regency wood stove, learn how to burn cleaner, more efficient fires and see the difference between conventional air-tight stoves and high-efficiency wood stoves.
For more information on the Wood Stove Exchange Program call the Exchange hotline at 1-877-992-5833.