HPBAC Announces Mike McNeice as Director of Public Affairs

by | May 23, 2023 | Consumer News, HPBAC Blog, Member News, Press Releases

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) is pleased to announce that Mike McNeice has joined our association as Director of Public Affairs. McNeice officially began work on Thursday, April 13, 2023. “Mike is a welcome addition to our team.” said Laura Litchfield, President. “He brings a wealth of experience from the organizations he’s worked with in the past that will be of great benefit to our association.”

McNeice has spent over ten years in public affairs in a variety of roles. Most recently, he worked with the Ontario Real Estate Association as their Senior Manager of Government Relations and Advocacy. He has extensive experience in stakeholder relations and strategy development.

“I’m excited to be part of this great organization,” said McNeice. “I look forward to building strategic partnerships and continuing to build on HPBAC’s incredible work, which has already contributed so much to the advancement of this industry.”

Mike can be reached at mike@hpbacanada.org.

 

Contact:

Meghan O’Reilly
Public Affairs Manager
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada
647-701-9174
meghan@hpbacanada.org

Comox Valley Residents Support Wood Burning

Comox Valley Residents Support Wood Burning

by | Oct 14, 2022 | Consumer News, HPBAC Blog, Press Releases

Survey Reveals that Residents Want Alternatives to Bylaws Restricting Wood Stoves

(COURTENAY) – Residents of the Comox Valley recently responded to a survey (conducted by Leger) regarding opinions towards wood burning. 300 local respondents aged 18 and older participated in the telephone survey, which took place from September 23 to 29, 2022.

Results reveal a clear mismatch between the Comox Valley Regional District’s (CVRD) current policy direction and local public opinion. Among residents, there is strong agreement (92%) that people should be able to upgrade their old inefficient heating systems with a newer, cleaner burning system of their choice. Furthermore, 79% agreed that this choice should be left up to residents, not local government.

Residents also indicated how bylaws restricting wood stove installation will influence their vote during the upcoming election. Generally, residents are more likely to oppose these bylaws (31%) than support them (20%), and after learning about the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada’s (HPBAC) Three Pillar Plan for addressing regional air quality, over half (56%) of residents said they were likely to vote for a municipal candidate who supports the HPBAC solution.

As an alternative solution to addressing air quality in the Comox Valley, HPBAC presented the Three Pillar Plan to local government in 2021. The plan proposes a comprehensive public education program on better burning practices, along with a targeted wood stove exchange program, and a dry and seasoned wood lot to make proper fuel more accessible. Collectively, these activities will translate into cleaner burning and improved air quality throughout the community.

“This reaffirms what the community wants,” said Jeff Loder, Director of Public Affairs for HPBAC. “When you compare these findings with the current discourse around wood burning, public opinion just doesn’t line up with what we’ve seen from the CVRD.”

The survey showed that just over one-quarter of Comox Valley residents use wood burning for at least some of their home heating. When asked about the practicality of electric heating, only 30% of residents believe it’s feasible for everyone in the region to switch to 100% electric heating.

“Residents of the Valley rely on their wood stoves, and these results support that,” said Jamie Payne, Owner & Operator of Norse Heating in Comox. “We face frequent power outages and other available heating options are often too expensive, so it’s not hard to understand why wood stoves are a necessity for so many people.”

Results also showed that public awareness of bylaws limiting the installation of wood stoves has increased over the last year. “The results illustrate that public consultation was insufficient, and the people are looking for a better way forward” said Tomi Wittwer, Owner & Operator of Comox Fireplace and Patio.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada is the national not-for-profit industry association that represents businesses which produce, sell, or service appliances and accessories in the hearth and barbecue industries in Canada.

For more information on HPBAC’s Three Pillar Plan, visit: www.saveourwoodstoves.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2022/08/New-TPP-Presentation.pdf 

To learn more about the Comox Valley bylaws that restrict the installation of wood stoves, visit: www.saveourwoodstoves.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HPBA_11536_Bylaw_Info_Sheet.pdf

Woodstove Industry Requests Engagement with Comox Valley Decision-Makers on Bans of Wood-Burning Appliances 

by | May 7, 2021 | Consumer News, Member News, Press Releases

(COMOX VALLEY, BC) – Following the continuation of multiple bans in the Comox Valley on the installation of wood-burning appliances, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) is again requesting a meeting with local decision-makers in the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, and Village of Cumberland to discuss a new process for engagement between decision-makers and local industry representatives. HPBAC and the local wood-burning appliance industry are supportive of effective regulation that promotes better air quality; however, the industry wants to see meaningful engagement with all parties impacted. 

“HPBAC has worked with other municipalities, including Metro Vancouver, to develop policy in a similar situation which was informed by all stakeholders,” said Laura Litchfield, President of HPBAC. “HPBAC hopes municipalities in the Comox Valley will consider modifying the bans and allow regulation to be more results-oriented and reflective of the best interests of residents and the local industry.”

HPBAC notes that the current bans of wood-burning appliances in new homes prevent the use of wood-burning as a primary and backup heat source and results in an increase in home heating costs for residents. The bans also unnecessarily impact workers, retailers, and manufacturers. There are seven hearth appliance manufacturers in British Columbia, 3,000 direct jobs, and additional indirect jobs. Furthermore, bans inappropriately suggest the use of modern certified wood-burning appliances is inconsistent with the pursuit of air quality improvements and climate change adaptation when evidence proves this to be incorrect. 

“Residents and consumers who use wood-burning appliances have long recognized the importance of protecting Canada’s precious natural resources, improving air quality, and reversing the effects of climate change,” said Ms. Litchfield. “For this reason, the hearth industry in Canada has been hard at work making products that use less fuel to supply heat, with extremely low levels of emission, and at a fraction of the cost of other heating methods. Modern certified wood stoves are an efficient heating appliance.” 

HPBAC and its members strive to work closely with decision-makers and regulatory partners to develop progressive, evidence-based policy. Despite sustained efforts to ensure this happened in Comox Valley, regional and municipal decision-makers have not adequately considered alternative policy levers that would positively impact air quality and carbon emissions.

Chris Bowen of Pioneer Fireplace has been attempting to work with the Village of Cumberland and the City of Courtenay but met significant resistance. “The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) started the Airshed Roundtable Project to study air quality in the Comox Valley and to implement a Regional Airshed Protection Strategy, yet the bans were put in place before members of the roundtable could even bring forward recommendations,” said Mr. Bowen.

Comox Valley resident and local business owner, Jamie Payne, frustrated by a lack of willingness by decision-makers to listen, said the “bans are jeopardizing my business and investment for no legitimate reason. They are unjustified, misplaced and will not do anything to help local air quality.” 

Ms. Litchfield urges consideration and acceptance of the representations from the wood-burning appliance industry. “The fact that a report published by Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) has been cited by the media is just one example of how misinformation relating to the effectiveness of modern certified wood-burning finds its way into  policy processes.” 

HPBAC is requesting a way to replace uncertified older model stoves with modern and low emitting certified appliances be adopted. Many communities in Canada and the U.S. have implemented successful woodstove changeout programs, including many in B.C. This solution would address the issue without the need for a ban on the installation of wood-burning appliances.

For more information, please visit www.overturntheban.ca.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) is the national not-for-profit association representing businesses that produce, sell, or service appliances and accessories in Canada’s hearth and barbecue industries. HPBAC gives consumers an overview of the hearth, patio and barbecue industry and provides the information needed to help Canadians make the right choice for their home.

For more information, please contact:
Jeff Loder
Director of Public Affairs, HPBAC
jeff@hpbacanada.org
709-330-9880

Santa Claus Briefed On Latest Fireplace Models

Santa Claus Briefed On Latest Fireplace Models

by | Dec 18, 2020 | Consumer News, Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Santa Claus Briefed On Latest Fireplace Models

Fireplace Experts Once Again Ensure Santa Is Able To Get In Safely

Huntsville, Ontario — The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBA Canada) is pleased to report that Santa Claus has once again received his annual briefing on the latest fireplace models, ensuring he will be able to successfully gain entry into homes around the world.

An annual tradition dating back decades, the briefing which took place last evening included Santa, senior officials from the North Pole, and engineers and design experts from across the fireplace industry who design the fireplaces found in homes across Canada and around the world. The briefing was held via Zoom.

“This is a privilege we take very seriously,” said Laura Litchfield, President of HPBA Canada. “Given that the closest inhabited area to the North Pole is in Nunavut, Canada, we feel a responsibility to make sure that Santa is as much a fireplace expert as the people who make them.”

“The fireplaces that are made today are quite advanced, with new technologies to increase heating efficiency and burn cleaner than ever before,” said Adam De Caire, Director of Public Affairs with HPBA Canada. “We want to make sure this new technology doesn’t get in Santa’s way on Christmas eve. He has a lot of ground to cover.”

The briefing also included safety tips for Santa, such as never going near a lit fireplace, and keeping stockings, gifts, and the Christmas tree a safe distance away. As always, Santa asked that these safety tips be passed on to people everywhere.

The fireplace briefing from HPBAC was followed by a briefing from The Locksmith Association, to address homes currently without a fireplace.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada is the national non-profit industry association supporting manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and support service providers in the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor lifestyle industries.

Related Links: https://hpbacanada.org/consumer-resources/product-safety/

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Media Inquiries:
Adam De Caire
Director of Public Affairs
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada
adam@hpbacanada.org

Christmas Inquiries:
Santa Claus
North Pole
H0H 0H0
Canada

Ottawa Wood Burning Changeout Program Provides Incentives to Replace Inefficient Appliances

by | Apr 26, 2019 | Consumer News, Press Releases

OTTAWA – Today, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada, with funding support from the City of Ottawa, launched the Ottawa Wood Burning Changeout Program. The program, open to all rural residents of Ottawa, provides a financial incentive in the form of a rebate to encourage residents to replace an old, inefficient wood burning appliance with a new, certified appliance.

Pre-1992 wood stoves have limited controls on smoke emissions. In contrast, today’s modern stoves and fireplaces cut emissions by over 70 percent. Installing CSA/EPA-certified wood burning appliances have dramatic impacts on the indoor and outdoor air quality of communities, and woodstove changeout programs are proven to incentivize investment. In addition to the environmental benefit, there is also a financial benefit to home owners, as new appliances are more efficient, requiring less wood to produce the same amount of heat.

The program provides a rebate of up to 25% of the cost of purchasing and installing a new, certified wood burning appliance, to a maximum cap of $750. The program also benefits Ottawa area businesses, which serve as the exclusive retailers for the program. Applicants will also be required to prove that their old outgoing appliance is properly disposed of, to ensure that they are permanently removed from circulation.

“This program is a very practical investment that will have a positive and measurable environmental impact, both in the short and long-term,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Having Ottawa businesses as exclusive retailers shows how environmental and economic benefits don’t have to be at odds with one another.”

The program will also feature a number of educational sessions on best burning practices, proper use of the appliances, proper preparation and storage of fuel, and more. For full program details, list of participating retailers, and to apply, residents should visit hpbacanada.org/ottawachangeoutprogram.

“Residents in our rural communities will really appreciate the chance to have a new appliance that provides the same comfortable heat, using less fuel than their old appliance, and with greatly reduced emissions,” said Councillor Eli El-Chantiry, Chair of the City of Ottawa’s  Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee. “And the fact that these new appliances all come from small, local Ottawa businesses makes the program ideal.”

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada is the national not-for-profit industry association that represents businesses which produce, sell, or service appliances and accessories in the hearth and barbecue industries in Canada.

 

Contact:

Adam De Caire
Director, Public Affairs
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada
647-998-4235
adam@hpbacanada.org