Register your stove or fireplace: Wood-burning registration deadline approaching in Metro Vancouver

12 August 2025

RESIDENTS are reminded to register their wood-burning fireplaces and stoves with Metro Vancouver by September 15. The free registration process allows residents to continue enjoying their wood-burning fireplaces and stoves while protecting the region’s air quality and the health of children, seniors, and neighbours with respiratory conditions.

“The wood-burning registration program is about addressing real concerns around air quality and public health in our communities,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors. “Every winter, we hear from seniors affected by wood smoke and parents worried about their kids’ breathing. This process is about protecting the health of our community, while making sure residents get to continue to enjoy their fireplaces and wood stoves.”

Wood smoke from residential burning is the largest single source of fine particulate matter emissions in Metro Vancouver, constituting 25 per cent of overall emissions of these microscopic, carcinogenic particles that can easily penetrate the lungs and blood.

Areas with the highest indoor wood smoke complaints include Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, Delta, and Burnaby. The requirement to register applies to municipalities wholly or partially within the Urban Containment Boundary (list below). Rural residents do not need to register their wood burning fireplaces and stoves but must declare their commitment to using best burning practices.

Registration does not mean residents need to replace or upgrade their fireplaces, though people may need to change their fuel. Devices like open-hearth fireplaces that are not emissions-certified may still be used with manufactured fire logs, which have lower emissions. The Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program offers up to $1,500 for residents to upgrade to cleaner wood-burning models or heat pumps.

Metro Vancouver is responsible for monitoring and protecting regional air quality. The Residential Indoor Wood Burning Bylaw was adopted in 2020 to help reduce wood smoke in urban areas to help keep communities healthy. Wood burning is already prohibited from mid-May to mid-September annually, and as of September 15, 2025, only registered devices will be permitted to burn wood in urban areas (barring emergencies or certain low-income exemptions).

Metro Vancouver’s approach to bylaw enforcement focuses on education and guidance, rather than tickets or fines. In cases where flagrant and severe non-compliance continues, stronger deterrents such as a Notice of Bylaw Violation or municipal ticket with fines ranging from $100 to $500 may be considered.

Urban Containment Boundary includes: