Fireplace License

Many times, a municipality in Canada comes out with a policy that others may follow.

Vancouver has a fireplace/wood-burning stove licensing system. Here are the details below:

In Vancouver, wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, and appliances must be registered with Metro Vancouver and users must declare their use of best burning practices. This is part of a broader effort to improve air quality by reducing wood smoke emissions. 

Here's a breakdown:

• • Registration Requirement:

    If you have a wood-burning fireplace, stove, or other appliance in Metro Vancouver, you need to register it with Metro Vancouver. 

     
  • Declaration of Best Burning Practices:

    You also need to declare that you are following best burning practices when using your wood-burning appliance. 

     

• Online System:

  Metro Vancouver provides an online system for registration and declaration. 

   

• Eligibility:

  Not all wood-burning devices are eligible for registration. Check Metro Vancouver's website for specific eligibility criteria. 

   

• Enforcement:

  In 2025, wood burning in urban areas of Metro Vancouver will be regulated, and unregistered wood-burning apparatus may be prohibited. 

   

• When to Register:

  Registration and declaration are required before burning wood in your fireplace or stove, especially in the fall and winter months. 

   

• Why the Regulations?

  The regulations aim to improve air quality by reducing wood smoke, which can be a significant source of air pollution. 

   

  If this ever came to the Toronto City Council, I would be opposed to it.

  Here are my reasons:

  Smoke from fireplaces is insignificant in the broader context.

  During ice storms, when power is down, a fireplace or wood-burning stove can be life-saving. 

  Many of our homes were built at a time when fireplaces were very normal and, when properly maintained, provide enjoyment, heat, and are not dangerous.

  Slippery Slope; if this is allowed, it could lead to gas appliances being banned, licensed or regulated. (They are thinking about this, see below: 

  "While there isn't a city-wide ban on gas appliances in Toronto, there is a growing movement and policy direction towards phasing them out, particularly in new constructions, as part of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

   

  My final reason: We are being overly regulated and taxed. Every time we turn around it seems there is something new that comes up. This is overreach and very insignificant in the context of climate change.

   

  If I am elected to Toronto City Council, Ward 25 Scarborough-Rouge Park, and this proposal came up, I would vote a firm NO!