At a council meeting held on March 24, 2025, Council adopted By-law 2025-002 restricting the use of solid-fuel appliances and fireplaces in Montreal West.
What is a solid fuel appliance?
A solid fuel appliance includes any heating or cooking device, including fireplaces, that burns solid combustible fuel (such as wood or pellets). Gas and electric fireplaces are not considered solid fuel appliances.
CHANGES COMING INTO EFFECT IMMEDIATELY
- New devices
The installation of new devices must respect the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the POLYTESTS Services. Devices must emit no more than 2.5 g/hr or less of fine particulate matter to the atmosphere. - Smog warning
During a smog warning issued by Environment Canada that includes all or part of the Town of Montreal West area, the use of any solid fuel appliance (compliant or not) is strictly prohibited.
CHANGES EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
- Restrictions to existing devices
Starting on September 1, 2026, it will be prohibited to use any existing solid fuel appliance unless it emits 2.5 g/hr or less of fine particulate matter and complies with EPA or POLYTESTS Services. Owners who decide not to replace their appliances or upgrade them to meet the required standards will no longer be permitted to use them. - Extended power failures
In the event of a power failure lasting more than 3 hours, the use of any solid fuel appliance (whether compliant or not) is permitted.
Consult By-law 2025-002 concerning solid fuel heating and cooking devices and fireplaces for further details.