Lumis fireplace from Foyer Suprême in Montréal

Warming Montréal: Demystifying the Rules of Wood-burning Fireplaces

Montréal, Canada’s cultural metropolis, is known for its picturesque beauty, snowy winters and warm culture. Yet since October 1, 2018, this city has introduced strict regulations regarding the use of wood-burning fireplaces, confusing many residents, designers and architects. At Noréa Foyers, we’d like to demystify some of the beliefs and present our expertise to guide you through this new landscape.

1: Demystifying the rules of wood-burning fireplaces

It’s a common belief that some municipalities, notably Montréal, prohibit or plan to restrict the use of wood-burning appliances. Not so. All Québec municipalities permit their use. In fact, the legislation is designed to reduce fine particle emissions into the air, mainly for public health reasons. To comply with the rules, your wood-burning fireplace must be EPA-certified, which means, among other things, that it must emit less than 2.5 gr/h of fine particles.

This measure is designed to protect citizens’ health. Wood burning in old fireplaces used to be one of the main causes of winter smog in Montréal, with emissions sometimes reaching up to 100 gr/h of fine particles. You’ll understand why it’s essential to convert your old fireplace to an energy-efficient model that reduces particulate emissions into the atmosphere.

2: Get to know Noréa Foyers

If you’re considering updating your wood-burning fireplaces to meet these new standards, the expertise of Noréa Foyers is at your disposal. Their specialists are well-informed about local and national wood heating regulations. Although Montréal has introduced these rules, many other Québec municipalities have followed suit with similar rules. As well, some municipalities, including Québec City, offer subsidy programs for the replacement of old appliances. By working with Noréa Foyers, you’ll benefit from expert advice on choosing the best solution that combines aesthetics, comfort and respect for the environment.

Valcourt fireplace made by SBI in Québec

Valcourt fireplace made by SBI in Québec

EPA Standard and Canadian Emission Standard

To better understand these regulations, it’s essential to know the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CSA B415.1-10 standards. In the USA, EPA 2020 stipulates that wood-burning appliances must emit no more than 2.5 g/h of fine particles. In Canada, the CSA B415.1-10 standard requires emissions of less than 4.5 g/h, but some municipalities, like Montréal, go further, imposing a threshold of 2.5 g/h.

Exemptions and Device Replacement

In most cases, municipalities do not require existing units to be replaced, but do require new installations to comply with the new regulations. However, there are exceptions, mainly in certain boroughs of the metropolitan area, where existing appliances emitting more than 2.5 g/h must be replaced or condemned.

Ambient fireplaces and masonry heaters often benefit from exemptions, but it’s important to check local regulations as exceptions do apply, sometimes even in places where you wouldn’t expect them.

Valcourt fireplace made by SBI in Québec

In conclusion, the rules governing wood-burning fireplaces in Québec are there to protect public health and the environment. Noréa Foyers is here to guide you through these rules and help you choose energy-efficient solutions. As designers and architects, you can play a key role in informing your customers and helping them make informed decisions for a cleaner, more comfortable future.