WOOD-BURNING APPLIANCE BY-LAW

Wood heating: the City of Québec adopts a fair and responsible by-law
A new by-law regulating the use of wood-burning heating appliances (R.V.Q. 2954) will come into effect in the Québec City area in September of 2026.

What will it entail?
The new by-law aims to limit fine particle emissions as a way to ensure better air quality. To achieve this, the City has decided to require that all wood-burning appliances on its territory have EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification. This is a wise decision as certified appliances have a small environmental footprint compared to older-generation models.

Who is subject to this by-law?
All owners of a wood-burning stove or fireplace located in the Québec City area must comply with the by-law and have a certified appliance by September of 2026. It is important to note that the installation and use of all fireplaces (including decorative fireplaces), as well as pellet stoves, is still permitted. However, starting on September 1, 2021, whenever a smog warning is issued, it will be forbidden to use any solid fuel-burning heating appliances, including all types of fireplaces, even certified ones.

The different types of authorized appliances
Wood-burning stoves
Slow combustion wood stoves are an interesting option as they provide efficient heating. Also, some models, like the Stûv 16-cube and 16-H and the Stûv 30, have a contemporary look that suits all decors. These are just some of the EPA-certified wood stoves available on the market.

Decorative and performance wood-burning fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplace enthusiasts in the Québec City area will be happy to know that they can continue enjoying this type of appliance.
Fireplaces categorized as decorative will still be permitted. These fireplaces, which generally have a guillotine glass pane to gain access to the open fire if needed, are not legislated by the new by-law since their use is considered occasional.
Wood-burning fireplaces like the Stûv 21 and Stûv 21-clad create a wonderful ambiance, offer remarkable heating power and striking architectural integration. These models, which truly enhance the look of a space, are ideal to have during very cold weather or a power outage.

There are also other models to choose from. The Stûv 16-Z or combo, a zero-clearance fireplace that can be installed during construction or renovation, is the ideal solution for both efficient heating and a commitment to the environment since it meets the EPA standard’s requirements.

Wood-burning inserts
Wood-burning inserts are perfect for installing in masonry hearths. Some models, like the Stûv 16-in, feature a timeless look that suits all home decoration styles, while others, like the Stûv 6, offer reduced insert dimensions for installation in smaller spaces. These two inserts meet EPA and CSA requirements. Both offer an easy way to breathe new life into an old masonry hearth!

In closing, there are now many products on the market that optimize the wood heating experience while respecting the environment. Québec City’s new by-law gives wood fire lovers a world of possibilities for replacing their older-generation appliance.