The TNRD has stepped in to offer subsidies on new wood stoves being offered as part of the Wood Stove Exchange program now underway in the region.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District has contributed $10,000 to subsidize the cost for residents who want to exchange their old clunkers for a fresh, cleaner burning, and more energy efficient stove from the second annual Nicola Valley Wood Stove Exchange program (NVWSE), formerly the Merritt Wood Stove Exchange.

The name change reflects the expansion of the program to include areas M and N of the TNRD, Lower Nicola up to Quilchena as well as down to Coldwater.

“Everybody was keen including the retailers, so we just decided to start right away,” said NVWSE coordinator Tim Larsen.

“Last year our target was 20 and we met it, and this year it's 50.”

Residents of the Nicola Valley who have non-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved wood heating appliances are eligible to take part in the program.

“The first step for me is to do a home visit and see what they have,” said Larsen.

Wood stoves over 15 years old will qualify for residents who apply and are approved by the program coordinator.

Applicants will then be issued vouchers entitling them to participate in the exchange.

In the first year of the program, the City of Merritt put up $10,000 to subsidize the cost of the exchange for residents and now the TNRD has matched the city's contribution.

The total incentive, including a $150 price reduction from the retailer and cash grants can be as much as $900. Similar incentives are offered for gas fireplaces.

The target of the program is to improve the air quality in the Nicola region, conserve energy, and save money for residents.

The new stoves burn approximately one third less wood and are 80% more efficient than old stoves.

Additionally, Environment Canada has carried out studies that show emissions from an EPA wood stove are reduced by 94 per cent for particulate matter and 80 per cent for volatile organic matter.

Earlier this year, Ralph Adams of the provincial Ministry of Environment gave a presentation to Merritt city council on Merritt's air quality.

Adams said Merritt has high values of dust and smoke, much of which is caused by slash burning and wood stoves.

Merritt's air pollution levels are above the provincial average.

Any questions regarding the program can be directed to Tim Larsen at 250-378-8216 or tlarsen@xplornet.com.