The city of Quebec bans from January 1stum January the installation of new fireplaces on its territory. In addition, citizens who currently own a wooden device must register it using an online form by January 1, 2019um April 2024.
This was advocated by Executive Committee Vice-President Marie-Josée Asselin at a press conference at Quebec City Hall on Monday afternoon.
The latter recalled that wood heating was partly responsible for the emission of fine particles and poor air quality in the community.
In addition to the ban on installing a decorative or atmospheric wood-burning fireplace from January 1st, their use will be completely banned from September 2030.
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In addition, a mandatory declaration of all solid fuel appliances is planned by the deadline of April 1, 2024.
We also plan to mandate mandatory replacement or removal of non-certified wood stoves, furnaces or boilers by September 1, 2026.
To preserve air quality, the new regulation gives the Executive Committee the ability to restrict the use of solid fuel appliances if “deterioration in air quality is expected.”
At a press conference on Monday afternoon, Marie-Josée Asselin, vice-president of the executive committee, was accompanied by Matthieu Alibert, director of the Quebec City Department of Environmental Prevention and Control. Photo Taieb Moalla
In addition, the city’s funding program will be strengthened. “Decorative, atmospheric or brick fireplaces, as well as first-generation stoves and fireplaces, are now eligible for the financial support offered,” it said, reiterating that they are less polluting than those in the forest.
It clarified that owners can receive reimbursement of up to 90% of the cost of purchasing a new certified appliance (wood or pellet) or decorative wood fireplace, up to a maximum of $1,000.
The municipality has promised that all available air quality data will be accessible and easy to view on its website.
Reactions
Without directly opposing the new standards, Québec First and Équipe Priority Québec nevertheless regretted the fact that certain measures were implemented “abruptly.” These two opposition parties expected a flood of questions for the emergency number 311.
For her part, Jackie Smith, head of Transition Québec, regretted that the air quality data that will appear on the city’s website will not be “live” but will be posted online within three months.
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