Winter CV Recreation Guide - all pages

Winter air quality

Let’s clear the air on winter nights

Simple steps can reduce wood smoke, improve air quality and support a healthier community.

Everyone can help reduce wood smoke. Because smoke from nearby sources has the greatest impact on the air we breathe, choices at home can directly benefit our community. Even when used according to best practices, wood-burning appliances produce more fine particulate matter than other home heating options . Consider using a cleaner heat source, such as a heat pump, for daily heating and reserving wood-burning appliances for power outages or extreme weather.

Courtenay enjoys good air quality most of the year. In winter, however, wood smoke can increase levels of fine particulate matter, which can affect everyone’s health. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or lung conditions are most at risk. Local monitoring shows poorer air quality on winter evenings when many wood-burning appliances are in use. Courtenay’s topography can also trap smoke overnight, causing pollutants to build up in neigh bourhoods.

Relative Emissions of Fine Particles

Wood Burning Fireplace

Uncertified Wood Stove

EPA Certified Wood Stove

Pellet Stove

Oil Furnace

Gas Furnace or Stove

Electric Heat

VERY DIRTY

VERY CLEAN

Planning a heating upgrade? Explore rebates and energy efficient heating options. courtenay.ca/air-quality

Courtenay Recreation | 250-338-5371 | 250-338-1000 | courtenay.ca/rec 80