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Operating a local program

Last updated on May 25, 2026

Local program coordinators can find information and resources on how to operate a community wood smoke reduction program.

To find out how to apply, visit Community funding application information.

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Program steps

Review these basic steps to begin the program:

Step 1

  • Program coordinators or retailers provide participants with application forms and program information

Step 2

  • Participants determine their eligibility and discuss further details and questions with the program coordinators or retailers

Step 3

  • After being approved, the participant is provided a voucher or tracking number by the program coordinator or retailer

Step 4

  • The participant purchases new qualifying appliance (an invoice is required)
  • The program coordinator or retailer must verify the applicant's full name and installation address

Step 5

  • The participant obtains local government permits, if required, such as:
    • Building permits
    • WETT inspections

Step 6

  • The participant has the appliance installed and inspected (if required)

Step 7

  • The old appliance is recycled and/or permanently disabled according to the local program's procedure
  • It's the local program’s responsibility to set up a reliable system for verifying that old appliances are permanently disabled and recycled
  • Verification requirements vary by region, such as:
    • Recycling receipts
    • Before and after photos

Step 8

  • Program coordinators collect the required documentation submitted by applicants

Step 9

  • Program coordinators verify the information and process the incentives
  • Rebate cheques are mailed within a few weeks

Required survey

All program participants are required to fill out a short survey. Coordinators must inform participants about the survey and submit responses to the ministry and the BC Lung Foundation.

The survey helps identify who's participating in the program, including their motivations and expectations. This information is used to make improvements.

The responses are made anonymous and no personal information is retained.

Take the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program (CWSRP) Participant Survey (PDF, 165KB).

Education tool

Local coordinators may choose to use the B.C. educational platform recently developed by B.C. Lung and B.C. ENV, or they may continue using their own education tools.

If your community chooses to use the B.C. educational platform, residents who exchange their old wood stoves for new U.S. EPA‑ or CSA‑certified wood stoves, or who install a heat pump while keeping an existing wood stove, must complete the training and obtain certification.

Resources

Posters and brochures

Wood smoke caused by residential wood burning is a major concern in many communities across B.C.

Use these resources to share information about wood smoke and its health effects:

Evaluation

Two independent third-party evaluations of the wood smoke program have been commissioned.

To learn more, review: