Montreal will ban new wood-burning stoves

The City of Montreal said Thursday it is going ahead with a ban on new wood-burning stoves, after holding public consultations on the matter.

The new bylaw will ban the installation of any new residential wood-burning stoves. The ban includes devices retrofitted with more environmentally friendly components.

Wood pellet stoves — which burn cleaner — are exempt from the bylaw.

The city's executive council will vote on the bylaw April 27, and the new rule will take effect the next day.

The decision to go ahead with the ban came after a series of public consultations that drew impassioned wood stove supporters and opponents.

Montreal's estimated 85,000 wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are believed to produce nearly half of the island's winter smog.