Wood heating - Ville de Kirkland

Alerts

To keep you informed of important messages from the city!

2026-08-21

August 21, 2026 – Pressure testing on the water distribution network - Dragon Street - to resume on Monday, August 24 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Possible discoloured water and drop in water pressure for certain addresses on Dragon street

2026-08-20

August 20, 2026 - Drinking water supply interruption AND boil water advisory for certain addresses on Charlevoix, Rougemont and Marcel-Meloche streets

Drinking water supply interruption AND boil water advisory for certain addresses on Charlevoix, Rougemont and Marcel-Meloche streets

Works Info

Stay informed about the work being carried out in the city, whether it involves road repairs, infrastructure maintenance, work on the water network, or park redevelopment. For any questions or to report an issue related to the work, please call 514-694-4100.

2026-08-07

Road Reconstruction – Place du Souvenir, Aesop St., Allard St., Derome St., Pasquini St.

Road Reconstruction – Place du Souvenir, Aesop St., Allard St., Derome St., Pasquini St.

2026-08-03

Replacement of a section of the storm sewer network on Argyle Street

Replacement of a section of the storm sewer network on Argyle Street.

2026-06-29

Reconfiguration of the merge lane onto Saint-Charles Boulevard South at the Sainte-Marie Road East intersection

Reconfiguration of the merge lane onto Saint-Charles Boulevard South at the Sainte-Marie Road East intersection, starting June 29.

Wood heating

Wood heating

Installing a wood-burning appliance requires a permit from the Urban Planning Department. Replacing all other types of heating appliances (ex: propane, natural gas, etc.) also requires a permit. For more information, click here.

Wood-burning appliances contribute to air pollution and are a significant source of pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).*

Applicable regulations

Before choosing a wood heating fireplace or deciding when to use it on your property, it's important to understand the local regulations that apply. Wood heating must follow specific rules outlined in the following municipal By-Law:

By-Law No. GEN-2021-53

Installation and Compliance

Any new installation or replacement of a solid fuel-burning appliance or fireplace must:

  • Be certified to EPA or CAN/CSA B415.1 standards.
  • Have a particulate emission rate of 2.5 g/hour or less.

A permit is required for the installation or replacement of a wood-burning appliance.

You can verify whether your wood-burning appliance is EPA or CAN/CSA B415.1 certified by:

  • Looking for the certification label attached to the appliance. The label identifies the certification standard, emissions rating, and other technical information.
  • Consulting the owner’s manual. If you no longer have a copy, it is often available on the manufacturer’s website.
  • Contacting the manufacturer directly.
  • Searching the EPA or CAN/CSA B415.1 certified appliance databases using the manufacturer name and model number.

Use and Restrictions

Certified appliances

EPA- or CAN/CSA B415.1-certified wood-burning appliances may be used at any time. However, residents are encouraged to limit their use whenever possible to help maintain good neighbourhood air quality.

Non-certified appliances

Wood-burning appliances that are not EPA or CAN/CSA B415.1 certified may be used:

  • No more than once every 48 hours
  • For a maximum of 6 consecutive hours

This restriction does not apply to appliances or fireplaces used for commercial purposes.

When Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a smog warning for a region that includes the Town of Kirkland, the use of all wood-burning appliances is prohibited, including certified appliances.

If a power outage lasts more than three hours, the restrictions on non-certified wood-burning appliances do not apply. These appliances may be used without restriction until power is restored.

Outdoor fireplaces fuelled by solid fuels (such as wood), bonfires, and open fires are prohibited at all times within the Town of Kirkland.

Applying for a permit

The "Online Permit Management" platform allows citizens to submit a permit application online, track its status, and in many cases, pay the required fees and obtain the desired permit/certificate without having to go anywhere.

All you need are your plans and other required documents in digital format (photos of documents are not accepted) and a credit card. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To access the platform, you must first create a user account.

Online Permit Application

Your permit application can be submitted in person at Town Hall during regular business hours (17200 Hymus Boulevard, Kirkland).

To this end, we invite you to download and complete the permit application form, then submit it along with all required documents. Paper copies of the form are also available at City Hall.

Required documents:

  • Certificate of location
    An official land survey showing property boundaries and the exact location of structures (house,pool, shed, fence, etc.).This document is generally produced at the time of purchase/sale of a property.
  • Fireplace specification sheet
    Any document produced by the manufacturer detailing the technical specifications of the fireplace and confirming that the appliance is EPA or CAN/CSA B415.1 certified.
  • Contractor’s quote detailing the work
    Any document produced by the contractor detailing the technical specifications of the work to be completed.
  • Proxy
    If someone other than the homeowner is submitting the application, proof of authorization from the homeowner must be provided.

With all reservations – Some situations may require a professional plan.
All documents must be submitted in PDF or JPEG format.

Information

The Urban Planning Department is responsible for ensuring compliance with the planning By-Law and can help you better understand its requirements. For any general inquiries regarding permits and certificates or other areas of responsibility, click here.

You may also contact the Urban Planning and Environment Department:

*Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada