Quebec stands firm on its wood heating regulations

Despite legal threats, Quebec City has no intention of changing its decision to prohibit non-certified wood stoves and fireplaces in its jurisdiction.

This is her official response to the formal notification issued to her by four residents at the beginning of December, requesting that she repeal rules 2954 and 3225.

Regulation 2954, adopted in 2021, restricts the use of any solid fuel heating appliance without EPA or CSA certification as of September 1, 2026.

This same regulation (RVQ 3225) was revised in 2023 to restrict the installation of a decorative or ambient fireplace unless it was purchased prior to January 1, 2024. The use of existing devices will be forbidden from September 1, 2030.

The City of Quebec's two rules aim to limit the impact of solid fuel appliance emissions on air quality.

Energy Rights

According to lawyer Samuel Samson, the City of Quebec's restrictions are overly restrictive and violate its consumers' fundamental right to energy.

He contends that the City could achieve its goals by restricting the ban on devices covered by Regulations 2954 and 3225 to days when air quality in Quebec is bad.

Mr Samson's clients demanded that the Municipality amend its regulations by February 15, 2025, or face legal action.

We will go to court, to the Superior Court, to have this regulation declared inoperative under the right to energy, the lawyer warned.

Response

The City of Quebec acted before the deadline to react had expired. On January 14, it responded to the persons who had sent the formal notices.

Despite their displeasure, the City has affirmed that it has no plans to overturn its regulations.