In August 2025, the City of Beaconsfield adopted By-law BEAC-170 to regulate the use of fireplaces and solid fuel appliances, such as those fuelled by wood or pellets. This initiative is part of our sustainable development mission and reflects our commitment to protecting public health, improving quality of life and actively contributing to the fight against climate change.
Until September 30, 2026 – the current by-law applies
Until September 30, 2026, the rules in force are those set out in By-law BEAC-46-6. This means that non-certified fireplaces and appliances may still be used, but under specific conditions: they must not be used for more than six consecutive hours and no more than once every 48 hours.
Transition period
During this transition period, from now until 30 September 2026, owners of non-compliant appliances must declare them to the City before September 30, 2026, by completing the appropriate form. This declaration is essential: it allows owners to benefit from a grandfather clause and use the appliance until September 30, 2027.
Furthermore, it is prohibited to use an appliance when a smog advisory has been issued by Environment Canada. The only exception is for power outages lasting more than three hours, during which use remains permitted even during smog periods.
From October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027 – BEAC-170 takes effect with acquired rights
As of October 1, 2026, the ban on the use of non-certified appliances will take effect. From that date onwards, only fireplaces and appliances certified to emit 2.5 g/h or less of fine particulate matter may be used on a regular basis.
Certification must come from:
Owners who submit their declaration on time will be granted a temporary grandfather clause allowing them to continue using non-compliant appliances until September 30, 2027.
However, residents who have not submitted a declaration by September 30, 2026, will have their right of use restricted as of October 1, 2026: they will no longer be able to use their non-compliant fireplace or appliance, except during a power outage lasting more than three hours.
Smog periods will continue to result in a ban on use, except in the event of a prolonged power outage.
From October 1, 2027 – full implementation of BEAC-170
As of October 1, 2027, grandfathering will end for everyone.
- Only certified fireplaces and appliances that meet the 2.5 g/h standard may still be used in Beaconsfield.
- Noncompliant fireplaces may remain in residences, but may never be used again, except during a power outage lasting more than three hours.
Other important provisions
Replacing a non-compliant appliance
If you wish to convert your fireplace to meet the 2.5 g/h standard, you must obtain a free municipal permit before beginning the work. Once the work is complete, a certificate issued by the professional who performed the conversion must be submitted to the City to confirm the appliance's compliance.
Appliances excluded from the regulation
Residents who no longer use their fireplace or wood stove do not need to take any action: no declaration or conversion is necessary as long as the appliance remains unused.
Finally, appliances that run on electricity, propane or natural gas, as well as outdoor cooking appliances, are not covered by this bylaw. They do not require any declaration or conversion.