Winter weather hasn't made its way to Montreal, but that might not stop some residents from lighting a crackling holiday fire.
If that’s you, beware: The deadline to register your fireplace or wood stove with the city is fast approaching.
A new city of Montreal bylaw requires that anyone with a fireplace or wood stove must meet the new emissions guidelines by October 2018. Units must release no more than 2.5 grams of fine particles per hour.
The deadline to register your unit with the city by Dec. 22, using this online form.
Those who fail to comply could face a fine of up to $2,000.
“Check the back of the unit. On a metallic plate is the name of the unit, the manufacturer, and see if it reaches 2.5 grams or less,” said Norman Hamel, who has been selling fireplaces and wood stoves at his store Poeles et Foyers Rosemont for 41 years.
Emissions from burning wood contribute to smog that can aggravate health problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
In Montreal, residential wood burning is second only to transportation for its fine particle emissions. Businesses that use wood ovens, such as bagel shops and pizzerias, are exempt from the bylaw.
There are roughly 40,000 fireplaces and 10,000 wood-burning stoves in the city of Montreal. Retrofitting or replacing them is expensive; it can range anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000, and some can top as high as $8,000.
Some residents may receive financial assistance to conform with the bylaw, providing they qualify. These programs include the Renoclimat Program from the Quebec Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and programs through Gaz Metro and Hydro Quebec.
