Solid fuel-burning stoves and fireplaces

Do you use a wood-burning heating system? Since 2015, the city has regulated the use of solid fuel-burning appliances in each of Montréal’s 19 boroughs. Learn more about this new by-law.

Heating with wood is among the leading causes of winter smog. Limiting the emission of particles into the atmosphere thus promotes better air quality and helps improve public health in Montréal. For this reason, residents are required to comply with this by-law. Those who do not will be liable to fines.

Solid fuel-burning appliances

Solid fuel-burning appliances include stoves or fireplaces designed to burn wood logs or any other solid materials, such as ecological logs, pellets or coal.

A gas or electric fireplace is not a solid-fuel burning appliance.

Mandatory certification

It is now prohibited to use a solid fuel-burning appliance unless it emits fewer than 2.5 grams of particles per hour, regardless of the fuel used.

This emission rate must:

be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA)

or be compliant with Canadian standard CSA/B415.1-10

Please ensure that the technical specifications for your appliance mention one of these certifications and the number of grams emitted per hour.

Comply with the by-law

In some Boroughs, before installing, replacing or removing a heating appliance that uses fuel (wood, coal, ecological logs, pellets, natural gas, oil, ethanol, propane), you must get a permit.

Once you receive the permit and the installation, replacement or removal work is done, you must submit a declaration within 120 days (four months). Residents who fail to do so may be liable to a fine.

FAQ

-Pouvons-nous chauffer au bois a Montréal ?

 Oui, il est permis de chauffer au bois a Montréal.

-Doit-on demander un permis ?

 Oui, il est nécessaire de faire la demande d'un permis.

-Peut-on utiliser un ancien poêle à bois ?

 Seulement si le poêle répond aux critères demandés par la ville de Montréal (Homologué et EPA inférieur a 2,5 G/hr).

https://montreal.ca/en/topics/solid-fuel-burning-stoves-and-fireplaces

FAQ

-Can I heat my home with wood in Montreal?

Yes, but subject to strict conditions regarding environmental impact. Wood heating is regulated across the 19 boroughs because it is a major cause of winter smog.

-Which appliances are covered by the regulation?

Included: All solid-fuel appliances (stoves or fireplaces designed to burn wood logs, eco-logs, pellets, or coal).

Excluded: Gas and electric fireplaces.

-Can I use an old wood stove?

Only if it meets current emission standards. Using a solid-fuel appliance is prohibited unless it is certified to emit less than 2.5 grams of particulate matter per hour.

-Do I need to register my appliance or apply for a permit?

Yes. Montreal regulations require you to declare and register any solid-fuel appliance with the city. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in a fine.