TSSA & WETT Certified · Since 2003

Ottawa's trusted fireplace installation & service experts built for Ottawa winters.

Gas, wood, and electric fireplace installation, repair, and inspection across Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Nepean, the Glebe, and the National Capital Region. TSSA-licensed gas technicians. WETT-certified wood specialists. Honest quotes. Code-compliant installs built for Ottawa winters.

Bringing warmth, comfort, and resale value to Ottawa homes for over 22 years.
🍁 Ottawa-based & locally owned ● ⭐ 4.9/5 from 250+ Ottawa homeowners ● 🛡️ TSSA & WETT registered & insured ● 🏆 2-year workmanship warranty
Get a free in-home quote Call (613) 555-0142
Dramatic close-up of wood logs burning in an Ottawa fireplace with vivid amber flames
22+ Years on
Ottawa hearths
Same-week consults
Napoleon Regency Valor Continental Marquis Heat & Glo Pacific Energy Enviro
Stone-faced fireplace with wood mantel and burning logs — the kind of finished install Fireplace Ottawa delivers
3,200+ installs since 2003

Credentials & Certifications

  • TSSA G2 licensed gas technicians on every gas job
  • WETT-certified wood-burning specialists & inspectors
  • $2,000,000 commercial general liability insurance
  • Active WSIB coverage on every employee
  • HRAI member · Renomark certified
  • Enbridge Gas authorized contractor
  • CHBA Ottawa (Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association)
  • City of Ottawa registered building permit applicant
  • Factory-trained on Napoleon, Regency, Valor, Continental, Pacific Energy, Enviro, Heat & Glo
About Fireplace Ottawa

Locally owned. Code-first. Built for Ottawa winters.

Fireplace Ottawa is a locally owned and operated fireplace installation, service, and repair company serving homeowners across the National Capital Region. For more than two decades, our team has designed, installed, and maintained gas fireplaces, wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts, and electric fireplaces in homes from downtown Centretown heritage rowhouses to new builds in Stittsville and Riverside South. We understand what works in Ottawa's climate — because we live here too.

Ottawa is one of the coldest capital cities in the world. Winter temperatures regularly drop below −25°C, and a properly chosen, properly vented, properly installed fireplace is not a luxury here — it is supplemental heat, blackout protection during ice storms, and the focal point of the room you spend the most time in. Our installers know the difference between a fireplace that looks good in a showroom and one that performs through a January cold snap.

Who we are

We are a small, dedicated team of TSSA-licensed gas technicians, WETT-certified wood-burning specialists, and finishing tradespeople (masons, framers, drywall, tile setters). Every job is led by a senior installer — never subcontracted out to a stranger. We carry full WSIB coverage and $2-million liability insurance, and we pull every permit the City of Ottawa and the TSSA require, every time. That matters: unpermitted gas or wood-burning work can void your home insurance and create resale problems when an inspector flags it during a future sale.

Our experience

Across the last 22+ years we have completed more than 3,200 fireplace installations and service calls across Ottawa, Gatineau-adjacent neighbourhoods, and the surrounding townships. Founded in 2003 by Daniel Lefebvre, a second-generation Ottawa installer, we are factory-trained on the major brands you will see in any reputable Ottawa showroom — Napoleon, Regency, Valor, Continental, Marquis, Heat & Glo, Pacific Energy, Enviro — and we install and service every one. Our lead technician has held a TSSA G2 gas technician licence since 2003 and has trained junior staff in-house to the same standard.

What makes us different

  • Owner-operated. The person who quotes your job is responsible for it. No call-centre runaround.
  • Code-first installs. Every job follows Ontario Building Code (OBC) clearances, CSA-B149.1 (gas), and CSA-B365 (solid fuel) without shortcuts.
  • Full-finish capability. We frame, drywall, tile, stone-veneer, and build mantels in-house — so you get one crew, one warranty, one schedule.
  • We service what we sell — and what we didn't sell. If your existing fireplace needs annual cleaning or a repair, we will work on it regardless of brand or who installed it.
  • Transparent quoting. Line-item written estimates. No "we'll figure it out on site" pricing.
Why Ottawa Chooses Us

Choosing a fireplace contractor is not like choosing a painter.

The work is permanent. It involves combustion appliances inside your home. It has to meet building code and TSSA regulations. Here is why Ottawa homeowners trust us with that responsibility.

TSSA-licensed gas technicians on every gas job

In Ontario, any work on a natural gas or propane appliance — including a gas fireplace, a gas insert, the gas line that feeds either, or even relighting a pilot for a paying customer — must be performed by a technician holding a valid TSSA gas licence (G1, G2, or G3 as applicable). We hold the proper certifications and will gladly show them. If a contractor cannot produce a TSSA card, do not let them touch your gas appliance — it is illegal, it is unsafe, and your insurance company will not cover the consequences.

WETT certification for wood-burning installations

For wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves, our installers and inspectors are certified through Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) — the standard that almost every Ontario home insurer now requires before they will write or renew a policy on a home with a solid-fuel appliance. Our WETT-certified inspectors can also issue the report your insurer is asking for, often during the same visit as your annual cleaning.

Permits pulled, inspections passed

We handle the City of Ottawa permit application through the My ServiceOttawa Building, Planning and Land Development portal, schedule the final inspection, and meet the inspector on site. You do not have to learn the Land Management System — that is our job. For wood-burning installations, this includes verifying combustion air, hearth extension dimensions, clearance to combustibles, and chimney height per OBC 9.21 and 9.22.

Fully insured, WSIB-covered

We carry $2-million general liability insurance and active WSIB coverage on every employee. Before our trucks pull into your driveway, ask any contractor in Ottawa for proof of both — if a worker is injured in your home and the contractor doesn't carry WSIB, you can be on the hook. We hand the certificates over before we start.

Two-year workmanship warranty

Every installation we perform is backed by a 2-year workmanship warranty on our labour, in addition to the manufacturer's warranty on the appliance itself (typically lifetime on firebox, 5–10 years on parts depending on brand). If something we installed isn't working the way it should, we come back — no charge, no argument.

Ottawa-specific expertise

Ottawa's mix of housing stock is unusual: century-old Centretown semis with original brick chimneys, 1960s split-levels in Alta Vista, 1980s townhomes in Kanata, glass-and-steel condos at LeBreton Flats, and post-2015 builds in Stittsville with sealed envelopes that demand direct-vent appliances. We know which fireplace works where, what venting paths are realistic in a 1920s plaster wall, and which condos require board approval before you can drill a single hole through an exterior wall.

One crew, one timeline, one warranty

We frame, drywall, tile, stone-veneer, and build custom mantels in-house. No coordinating between the gas tech and a separate finisher and a separate mason. One project manager, one accountable point of contact, one written warranty that covers everything we installed — appliance, venting, framing, finish.

Services We Offer in Ottawa

Full-service fireplace work — installation, repair, inspection.

Whether you are adding a brand-new fireplace to a renovation, converting a drafty masonry chimney into an efficient gas insert, or scheduling annual maintenance, we handle the work end to end.

Modern direct-vent gas fireplace with linear shiplap surround in an Ottawa living room

Gas Fireplace Installation Ottawa

Gas is the most popular fireplace fuel in Ottawa — and for good reason. A modern direct-vent gas fireplace delivers 25,000–40,000 BTUs of clean, controlled heat at the touch of a remote, runs during power outages with a battery backup, and adds resale value to virtually any Ottawa home. Direct-vent, B-vent, built-in, linear, and log-set formats from Napoleon, Regency, Valor, Heat & Glo, and Continental.

$3,500–$10,000+ installed · free quote
Traditional wood-burning fireplace with iron grate and burning logs

Wood-Burning Fireplace & Wood Stove Installation

Nothing beats a real wood fire on a −30°C Ottawa evening. Modern EPA-certified wood appliances burn 70–85% cleaner than open masonry fireplaces, and a properly installed wood stove keeps your living room warm when an ice storm has taken out the grid for two days. Pre-fabricated zero-clearance wood fireplaces and freestanding wood stoves from Pacific Energy, Regency, Enviro. WETT-certified install with Class A chimney, hearth pad, and OBC 9.22 clearances.

$4,500–$12,000+ complete · free estimate
Modern freestanding wood stove with white flue in a bright Ottawa living room

Electric Fireplace Installation

Electric fireplaces are the fastest-growing category in Ottawa — especially for condos, basements, and bedrooms. No chimney, no venting, no gas line, and no permit. Wall-mount units, built-in linear ribbon-flame inserts, and slide-in masonry-conversion electrics. Run on a standard 120V outlet, ~5,000 BTUs (enough to take the chill off a medium room), and most models split flame from heat so you can enjoy the visual on a warm summer evening.

$800–$4,500+ installed · free quote
Traditional masonry fireplace with ornate iron fire screen — perfect candidate for an insert

Fireplace Inserts: Convert Your Masonry Fireplace

Most original 1960s–1980s masonry fireplaces in Ottawa are net-negative for heat — they pull more warm air up the chimney than they put back into the room. A fireplace insert solves that overnight. Slide a high-efficiency gas, wood, or pellet appliance into the existing firebox, reline the chimney to the proper diameter, and seal the surround so 75–85% of the heat actually stays in your living room. Pays back the investment in 3–7 winters.

$3,500–$8,000+ turnkey · 1–2 day install
Brick fireplace with brass mesh screen — typical Ottawa chimney repair and maintenance candidate

Chimney Repair, Relining & Maintenance

Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycle is brutal on masonry chimneys. Water gets into a hairline crack in October, freezes overnight, expands, and by April that hairline crack is a structural problem. We reline (stainless flex liner sized to the appliance), re-crown, re-cap, re-flash, tuckpoint, rebuild sections above the roof line, and vacuum-sweep creosote with no soot inside your house. Stainless mesh caps to keep out raccoons, squirrels, birds, and rain.

Liners, crowns, tuckpoint & vacuum-sweep
Dark painted brick refacing material — modern surround upgrade option

Fireplace Refacing & Renovation

Your fireplace works fine — but the surround was built in 1987 and looks it. We do full refacing: strip the old tile and brass trim, reframe if needed, and install your choice of stone veneer (limestone, granite, slate), manufactured stone (Cultured Stone, Eldorado), large-format porcelain slab, honed marble or soapstone, painted MDF, or shiplap. Custom solid-wood mantels in oak, walnut, white oak, maple, or paint-grade poplar. One crew, one timeline, one warranty.

Stone, slab, tile & custom mantel
Close-up of burning embers in a fireplace — annual service prevents mid-winter failures

Annual Maintenance & WETT Inspection

A gas fireplace should be serviced annually, just like your furnace. A wood fireplace must be swept annually for safety. Flat-rate maintenance packages include cleaning, safety checks, pilot adjustment, glass cleaning, log re-setting, and a written condition report. WETT Level 1 visual inspections, Level 2 video-scope chimney inspections, and the full written report your insurer is asking for — delivered within 24–48 hours.

Maintenance $179–$329 · WETT $249–$449
Installer sealing insulation and framing during a fireplace and vent installation

Custom Built-Ins & New Construction

Building or renovating? We coordinate directly with your builder, architect, or designer from rough-in to final flame test. Full custom built-ins with floor-to-ceiling stone, mitered porcelain slab, custom hearths, two-sided see-through fireplaces, outdoor gas fireplaces, and integrated TV-above-the-fireplace solutions (with proper heat-shield engineering). Permitting, gas line, venting, framing, electrical, finish — all in-house.

Coordinated with your builder & designer
Transparent Ottawa Pricing

Honest, line-item written quotes — no surprises at the end.

Indicative installed ranges for the most common Ottawa fireplace jobs. Final quote always comes after a free in-home consultation so we can see what your space actually needs.

Most popular

Free in-home consultation & written quote

$0

We come to your home, measure venting paths, check the existing chimney, talk through heat output, look, fuel type, and budget. 45–60 minutes. Within 48 hours you receive a detailed, line-item written quote with two or three options at different price points. No charge, no obligation.

Book your free quote

Gas Fireplace Install

$3,500–$10K+

Direct-vent or B-vent gas, traditional log set or contemporary linear ribbon flame. Includes unit, venting, gas line, electrical, framing, finishing, permits, and labour. Custom built-ins with full stone surrounds run higher.

1–3 day install · battery backup option

Wood Stove Install

$4,500–$12K+

Complete wood stove install including the appliance, Class A insulated chimney, hearth pad (ULC-rated), pass-through, labour, and permit. Pre-fab wood-burning fireplaces with full stone surrounds and mantels run $8,000–$20,000+.

WETT certified · OBC 9.22 compliant

Fireplace Insert Conversion

$3,500–$8,000+

Slide a high-efficiency gas, wood, or pellet insert into your existing masonry firebox. Includes appliance, full chimney reline (stainless flex liner), surround, log set or media bed, and full remote. Typical 1-day install.

75–85% heating efficiency · pays back in 3–7 winters

Electric Fireplace Install

$800–$4,500+

Wall-mount, built-in linear ribbon-flame, or slide-in masonry insert. No chimney, no venting, no gas line, no permit (in most cases). Plug-in units start under $1,000; hardwired custom-finish installs run higher.

No chimney or venting required

Annual Maintenance & Service

$179–$329

Full annual service: burner and pilot cleaning, gas pressure test, venting and combustion-air inspection, glass cleaning, log re-set, safety device test, vacuum-out of firebox cavity, and written condition report. Bundle pricing available.

Cheapest insurance against winter breakdowns

WETT Inspection & Report

$249–$449

WETT Level 1 visual inspection, Level 2 video-scope chimney inspection, and the full written report your home insurer is asking for. Most reports delivered within 24–48 hours. Required by most Ontario insurers for solid-fuel appliances.

Accepted by Intact, Aviva, TD, Belairdirect, Co-operators
Common Problems We Solve

If any of these sound familiar, call us — we've fixed them before.

Most fireplace service calls in Ottawa fall into a handful of repeat patterns. We have likely fixed your exact problem on hundreds of other Ottawa homes.

Pilot light won't stay lit

Usually a worn thermocouple or thermopile — the small metal probe inside the pilot flame that generates the millivolts the gas valve needs to stay open. On gas fireplaces 8–15 years old this is the #1 failure point. Diagnosis and replacement is typically a one-visit, one-hour job.

Fireplace won't ignite or clicks without lighting

Could be a dead battery in an electronic ignition, a clogged pilot orifice (spider webs are a real and common issue — spiders love the smell of mercaptan in natural gas), a failed igniter module, or a loose wire connection. We carry parts for every major brand on the truck.

Weak, lazy, yellow flame

Instead of a strong blue-and-yellow flame, you see a lazy yellow burn or soot on the glass. Usually a partially blocked burner, an incorrect air-shutter setting, or a venting issue causing poor draft. Soot on the glass or CO alarm trips is an urgent service call — do not run the appliance until we inspect it.

Foggy or hazy glass front

Light film is condensation from new logs or refractory and burns off after the first few hours of operation. Heavy white film is mineral deposits or improper combustion and requires service. We clean glass, replace gaskets, and re-set logs every time.

Smoke spilling into the room from a wood fireplace

Almost always a draft problem: cold chimney, blocked flue, undersized flue for the firebox, or interference from a kitchen exhaust fan pulling combustion gases backward (a major issue in newer tight-envelope Ottawa homes). We diagnose, resolve, and recommend a make-up air solution where needed.

Carbon monoxide alarm sounding near the fireplace

Stop using the fireplace immediately, ventilate the home, and call us. CO at the fireplace is a serious safety issue. We pressure-test the venting, gas connections, heat exchanger (if applicable), and combustion-air supply — and we will not relight the appliance until it tests safe.

Cracked masonry chimney, water staining

Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycle accelerates masonry damage every winter. Visible mortar cracks, white efflorescence on exterior brick, rust on the damper, or musty smell from the firebox are all early warnings. We inspect, document, and quote repairs in writing.

Old fireplace is ugly, drafty, and useless

Classic 1970s/1980s Ottawa problem. The original masonry fireplace is net-negative for heat, the brass trim and beige tile look dated, and you never use it. Our most popular renovation: drop a high-efficiency direct-vent gas insert into the existing firebox, line the chimney, and reface in modern stone veneer with a fresh mantel. Typically $6,500–$12,000 turnkey.

How We Compare

The five questions every Ottawa homeowner should ask before signing.

Most fireplace complaints in Ottawa trace back to a contractor who skipped one of the five. Here is exactly how we answer, vs. what we hear about everyone else.

✓ Fireplace Ottawa

  • TSSA G2 gas licence on file — we show our card before we touch the gas line
  • WETT certification for every wood-burning install and inspection
  • City of Ottawa permit pulled on every job, every time — we file via My ServiceOttawa LMS
  • $2-million general liability + active WSIB on every employee, certificates handed over before we start
  • 2-year written workmanship warranty on top of manufacturer's appliance warranty
  • Owner-operated since 2003 — the person who quotes is responsible for the job
  • One in-house crew for framing, drywall, tile, stone, mantel — no subcontractor scramble
  • Written line-item quote within 48 hours of consultation
  • We service what we install — and what we didn't install

✕ The "$1,995 special" guy

  • "I'm certified" — but can't produce a TSSA card when asked
  • No WETT cert, so the install fails your insurance inspection 6 months later
  • "You don't really need a permit for this" — until the city inspector finds it during your future sale
  • No proof of insurance, no WSIB clearance certificate — you're on the hook if a worker is hurt
  • Verbal warranty only — and the number stops working after three weeks
  • Single-truck operator with no backup if he gets sick mid-job
  • Subcontracts the framing, tile, and mantel to three separate strangers, none of whom warrant their work
  • "We'll figure out the final price on site" — and the final price always lands at the top of the verbal range
  • Only services what he installed, and only if the cheque cleared
Our Process

From the first phone call to the final flame test.

Eight clear steps. No surprises. So you know exactly what happens, in what order, and when.

01

Free in-home consultation

We come to your home, look at the space, talk through what you want — heat output, look, fuel type, budget. We measure venting paths, check the existing chimney if applicable, and discuss permit requirements. Usually 45–60 minutes. No charge, no obligation.

02

Written quote with options

Within 48 hours, you receive a detailed, line-item written quote covering the appliance, venting, gas line, electrical, framing, finishing, permits, and labour. We usually present two or three options at different price points so you can choose what fits your room and budget.

03

Permit application

Once you approve the quote and we collect a deposit (typically 30%), we apply for the City of Ottawa building permit and/or TSSA gas permit on your behalf via the My ServiceOttawa LMS portal. We submit the drawings, appliance spec sheets, and inspection booking.

04

Scheduling

Typical lead time from deposit to installation is 2–6 weeks depending on appliance availability and your preferred start date. Custom orders and stone-veneer refacing can take longer. We confirm the schedule in writing and call the day before with the crew arrival window.

05

Installation

Most gas fireplace installs take 1–3 days. Wood stove installs take 1–2 days plus chimney work. Inserts are typically 1–2 days. Full custom built-ins with refacing run 5–10 days. We protect your floors, vacuum at the end of each day, and leave the site clean.

06

Inspection

The City of Ottawa building inspector or TSSA inspector (or both, depending on appliance type) visits the site, verifies code compliance, and signs off. We meet the inspector on site so you do not have to take time off work or learn the inspection process.

07

Commissioning & walk-through

We perform a full flame test, leak-test the gas line, calibrate the remote, hand you the manuals, and walk you through operation, safety, and care. You leave the walk-through confident operating the appliance and knowing what annual service looks like.

08

Final payment & warranty

Balance due on satisfactory completion. You receive the manufacturer's warranty card, our 2-year written workmanship warranty, the permit close-out documents, and a maintenance schedule. We add you to our annual reminder list so service stays on the calendar.

Service Areas

Servicing every neighbourhood in Ottawa and the National Capital Region.

If you live in any of the neighbourhoods below, we cover you. Outside this list? Call us anyway — we travel.

Central Ottawa

CentretownDowntown core
The GlebeHeritage district
Old Ottawa SouthSouth of the Glebe
Old Ottawa EastMain & Hawthorne
Sandy HillU of O area
LowertownNorth of Rideau
ByWard MarketHeritage rowhouses
HintonburgWest of Bayview
Wellington WestHolland to Island Park
WestboroRichmond Road village
Civic HospitalCarling & Parkdale
Dow's LakePreston & Carling
LeBreton FlatsModern condos
MechanicsvilleWest of Tunney's Pasture
VanierEast of the Rideau River

West Ottawa & Kanata

Kanata BeaverbrookOriginal Kanata
BridlewoodSouth Kanata
Glen CairnHazeldean & Castlefrank
Katimavik-HazeldeanEstablished Kanata
Kanata LakesNorth Kanata
Kanata NorthTech park area
Morgan's GrantFar north Kanata
StittsvilleWest of Kanata
Bells CornersRobertson Road
Crystal BeachNear the Ottawa River
BritanniaBritannia Beach
CarlingwoodCarling & Woodroffe
Lincoln HeightsRichmond & Woodroffe
McKellar ParkNear Westboro

South Ottawa & Barrhaven

Barrhaven Half Moon BayWest Barrhaven
LongfieldsCentral Barrhaven
StonebridgeGolf course community
Chapman MillsNorth Barrhaven
Riverside SouthEast of Barrhaven
ManotickVillage south of Ottawa
GreelyRural south
Findlay CreekSouth of Hunt Club
Heron ParkWalkley area
Hunt ClubHunt Club Road
Alta VistaSouth of the Queensway
Mooney's BayRiverside Drive
South KeysBank & Hunt Club
Blossom ParkBank Street south

East Ottawa & Orleans

Orleans AvalonSouth Orleans
Chapel HillEast Orleans
Convent GlenEstablished Orleans
FallingbrookNorth Orleans
Notting HillEast Orleans
Queenswood HeightsSouth Orleans
Beacon HillWest of Orleans
Blackburn HamletInside the Greenbelt
CyrvilleInnes & Cyrville
CumberlandEast of Orleans
Carlsbad SpringsRural east
NavanRural village
SarsfieldRural east

Rural & Surrounding

CarpWest rural village
DunrobinFar west rural
Constance BayOttawa River, west
Fitzroy HarbourFar west, riverside
MunsterSouthwest rural
RichmondSouthwest village
North GowerSouth rural
KemptvilleJust south of Ottawa
OsgoodeSouth rural village
MetcalfeSouth rural
RussellEast rural village
EmbrunFar east rural
RocklandEast along Hwy 174
Cumberland VillageRiverside east

We are also licensed to perform certain work on the Quebec side of the river — ask us if you are in Gatineau, Aylmer, or Hull and want a quote.

Ottawa Fireplace Guide

Permits, climate, and local quirks that change the install.

Every city has its quirks. Here is what makes installing a fireplace in Ottawa specifically different from anywhere else — the rules, the weather, and the housing stock you cannot google your way around.

Ottawa's climate makes the fuel choice matter

Ottawa is the second-coldest national capital in the world. We routinely see two-week stretches below −20°C in January and February, and ice storms knock out power across the region every few years (the 1998 storm and the 2018 derecho both left tens of thousands of homes without grid power for days). A fireplace in Ottawa is not just decorative — it is a backup heat source. A wood stove or gas fireplace with a battery-backup ignition keeps you warm during a blackout; a 120V electric will not.

City of Ottawa permits via My ServiceOttawa

The City of Ottawa now processes building permits through the My ServiceOttawa Land Management System (LMS). Fireplace and wood-stove applications are submitted online through the Building, Planning and Land Development portal. We handle the entire process for our customers — including the drawings, appliance specification sheets, and inspection booking. For homeowners doing their own application, expect 2–4 weeks for permit issuance plus inspection scheduling.

TSSA gas permits

Any natural gas or propane appliance installation in Ontario requires a TSSA-licensed technician and (for new installations or new gas lines) a gas permit. We file this concurrently with the City permit. TSSA inspectors are separate from City of Ottawa building inspectors and will inspect the gas side of the job independently. Both must sign off before the appliance is commissioned.

Ontario Building Code clearances

The OBC governs fireplace construction in sections 9.21 and 9.22. Key requirements we follow on every wood-burning install: combustion air supply from outdoors for every solid-fuel-fired fireplace (OBC 9.22.1.4); noncombustible hearth extending 400 mm in front and 200 mm on each side of the opening (OBC 9.22.5.1); chimney flue extending at least 900 mm above the highest roof contact and 600 mm above any roof structure within 3 m (OBC 9.21.4.4); and combustible material kept at least 150 mm from the fireplace face.

Heritage districts and condo boards

Several Ottawa neighbourhoods sit inside heritage conservation districts — most notably parts of New Edinburgh, Lowertown West, the Glebe, and Centretown. Exterior changes (including new chimney terminations or vent terminations visible from the street) may require Heritage Ottawa approval in addition to a regular building permit. Condo and stratified-townhouse boards usually require their own written approval before any exterior penetration. We will tell you up front if your project triggers either.

Insurance, WETT & Enbridge

Almost every major Ontario home insurer (Intact, Aviva, TD, Belairdirect, Co-operators) now requires a current WETT inspection report for any home with an active wood-burning appliance. The report typically expires in 10 years and is often re-requested at renewal. On the gas side, Enbridge Gas (formerly Union/Enbridge) is the natural gas distributor for Ottawa — most established neighbourhoods are connected. Propane installations (common in rural Carp, Manotick, Munster, Osgoode, Greely) use buried tanks or above-ground cylinders with different orifices and pressure regulation.

Why You Can Trust Us

Real credentials. Real accountability. Real Ottawa expertise.

In a trade where insurance, code, and safety all converge, paperwork is everything. Here is exactly what we put behind our trucks.

⚡

TSSA G2 licensed

Our lead technician has held a valid TSSA G2 gas technician licence since 2003. Every gas job — install, repair, pilot relight, gas line — is performed by a licensed tech and documented with the TSSA log. We carry the card on every visit.

🪵

WETT certified inspectors

Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) certified for installation and inspection. Most Ontario home insurers accept our written report. Level 1 visual, Level 2 video-scope, full insurer-ready PDF within 24–48 hours.

🛡️

$2M insurance & WSIB

Active $2,000,000 commercial general liability policy and current WSIB clearance certificate. We hand both over before the first truck pulls into your driveway. If a contractor cannot, do not let them work.

🏆

22+ years, 3,200+ installs

Founded in 2003 by Daniel Lefebvre, a second-generation Ottawa installer. Over 3,200 fireplace installations, conversions, and service calls across the National Capital Region. HRAI member, Renomark certified, CHBA Ottawa member.

Testimonials

What Ottawa homeowners say about our work.

Real reviews from real Ottawa neighbourhoods — Westboro, Kanata Lakes, the Glebe, Barrhaven, Orleans, Old Ottawa South, Riverside South, and Vanier.

★★★★★

"We had a 1990s gas fireplace that hadn't worked properly in five winters. The team came out, diagnosed a failed thermopile and a venting issue, and had us back up the same afternoon. Then they came back six weeks later to install a new linear gas fireplace in our basement renovation. Both jobs done on time, on budget, and the installers actually cleaned up after themselves. Couldn't recommend them more."

Sarah K.Westboro
★★★★★

"Went through three other contractors who quoted us before we found these guys. The others were either way overpriced or wouldn't pull a permit. These guys handled everything — the City of Ottawa permit, the TSSA inspection, the gas line from the basement, the framing, the tile, the mantel. One crew, one timeline. Our living room finally looks the way we wanted it to."

Mark D.Kanata Lakes
★★★★★

"We have a 1925 home and a heritage-listed exterior. They knew exactly which appliance would work given the venting constraints, walked us through what we could and couldn't do under heritage rules, and the install passed inspection first try. Honest, professional, knowledgeable. They are now our go-to for the annual cleaning too."

Janet R.The Glebe
★★★★★

"We wanted a real wood stove for our great room — backup heat for winter power outages and the ambiance. They installed a Pacific Energy stove with a full Class A chimney through our cathedral ceiling. WETT-certified, permit pulled, inspection passed. Our insurance company accepted the WETT report on first submission. Highly recommended."

Mike & Lisa T.Barrhaven (Stonebridge)
★★★★★

"Annual service on our 8-year-old gas fireplace. Showed up exactly when they said they would, identified that the pilot orifice was clogged with spider webs (apparently a real thing), cleaned everything, replaced the batteries in the remote, and the fireplace is firing better than it has in years. $200-ish, in and out in 90 minutes. No upsells."

David P.Orleans (Avalon)
★★★★★

"Total fireplace renovation — we ripped out the dated brass-and-tile surround from 1989 and replaced it with a full slab-marble face and a custom white oak mantel. They project-managed the whole thing: the gas insert, the chimney liner, the demo, the framing, the marble fabrication, the install. Beautiful work, and they protected our hardwood floors the entire time."

Rachel L.Old Ottawa South
★★★★★

"New build, needed a direct-vent gas fireplace in the family room and a separate electric linear in the primary bedroom. They handled both, coordinated with our builder, and the rough-in passed first try. The finished product looks like a magazine spread. Pricing was competitive and the written quote had zero surprises at the end."

Ahmed S.Riverside South
★★★★★

"WETT inspection for our home insurance renewal — our old insurer asked for an updated report and our new policy was conditional on getting it. They came out, did the full Level 1 inspection, sent the signed report within 36 hours, and our insurance went through with no issues. Painless."

Pierre G.Vanier
Verified Across Platforms

Consistent 5-star reviews across Google, HomeStars & Houzz.

4.9 out of 5 stars across 250+ verified reviews on the three platforms most Ottawa homeowners actually use when vetting a contractor.

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4.9 / 5

Google Reviews

Based on 250+ verified Ottawa-area reviews. Consistently noted for clean job sites, accurate written quotes, and same-day diagnosis on service calls.

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4.9 / 5

HomeStars

HomeStars is where Ottawa homeowners go to vet contractors. We hold a consistent 4.9-star average with reviews from Kanata to Orleans to Manotick.

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5.0 / 5

Houzz

Featured for custom built-ins, stone refacing, and full living-room renovations across Ottawa. Best of Houzz design and service recognition.

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4.9 / 5

Facebook Recommendations

Active in Ottawa neighbourhood groups for the Glebe, Westboro, Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans. Repeated peer recommendations from local homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short, direct answers to what Ottawa homeowners ask us most.

Optimized for AI Overviews and featured snippets. If your question isn't here, call us — we will answer it on the phone in plain English.

How much does fireplace installation cost in Ottawa?

A gas fireplace installation in Ottawa typically costs $3,500 to $10,000 or more depending on the unit type, venting requirements, gas line routing, and finishing. Wood stove installations range $4,500–$12,000+ including the stove, hearth pad, Class A chimney, and permit. Electric fireplaces are the least expensive at $800–$4,500+ installed. We provide written, line-item quotes after a free in-home consultation.

Do I need a permit for a fireplace installation in Ottawa?

Yes, in most cases. Gas fireplaces require a TSSA-certified gas technician and typically need a gas permit. Wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves require a City of Ottawa building permit submitted through My ServiceOttawa and must meet Ontario Building Code clearance and chimney requirements. Electric fireplaces generally do not require a permit unless hardwired. Heritage district properties may require additional approval. We pull every permit your job needs.

What type of fireplace is best for Ottawa winters?

High-efficiency direct-vent gas fireplaces are the most popular choice for Ottawa's extreme winters — they deliver reliable heat, run during power outages with a battery backup, and require no chimney. Wood-burning fireplaces and EPA-certified wood stoves provide strong radiant heat and work without electricity — valuable during ice-storm blackouts. Electric fireplaces are simplest to install but provide supplemental heat only.

How long does a fireplace installation take in Ottawa?

A typical gas fireplace installation takes 1 to 3 days including gas line routing, venting, and finishing. Wood stove installations take 1 to 2 days plus chimney work. Fireplace insert installations usually take 1 to 2 days. Full custom built-ins with stone refacing and a new mantel can take 5 to 10 days.

Do I need a TSSA-licensed technician for gas fireplace work in Ontario?

Yes, by law. In Ontario, any work on a natural gas or propane appliance — including installation, repair, and pilot relighting — must be performed by a TSSA-licensed gas technician (G1, G2, or G3 as applicable). Unlicensed work can void your home insurance. We hold valid TSSA licences and will show our credentials.

Do I need a WETT inspection for my wood fireplace?

Most Ontario home insurers now require a current WETT inspection report before they will write or renew home insurance on a property with a wood-burning fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove. WETT reports typically remain valid for up to 10 years. We provide WETT-certified inspections and deliver written reports within 24 to 48 hours.

How often should I service my gas fireplace?

Annually. A gas fireplace should be serviced once per year, ideally in early fall before the heating season. A complete annual service includes cleaning the glass, inspecting and cleaning the burner and pilot, testing gas pressure and safety devices, inspecting venting, and resetting the logs. Annual service typically costs $179–$329 and prevents costly mid-winter breakdowns.

How often should I clean my wood-burning chimney?

At least once per year for an active wood-burning appliance, more often if you burn unseasoned wood or use the fireplace heavily. Creosote buildup is the primary cause of chimney fires and must be removed annually. We perform vacuum-sweep cleaning with no soot in your home.

Can I convert my old wood-burning fireplace to gas?

Yes. A direct-vent gas insert slides into your existing masonry firebox, the chimney is relined with a stainless flex liner sized to the appliance, and a new surround conceals the conversion. Most conversions are completed in 1 to 2 days and cost $3,500 to $8,000 turnkey. The result is 75–85% heating efficiency vs. the net-negative output of an open masonry fireplace.

Will a gas fireplace work during a power outage?

Most modern direct-vent gas fireplaces will operate during a power outage if equipped with a battery-backup ignition module — a small add-on we strongly recommend for every Ottawa customer. Models with standing pilots also work without power. Confirm with us at the time of quoting; we will spec a unit that runs through blackouts.

What is the most efficient fireplace for an Ottawa home?

High-efficiency direct-vent gas fireplaces typically deliver 70–85% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). EPA-certified wood inserts can reach 75–85% efficiency on a clean burn. Electric fireplaces are 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat but produce less BTU output and run on a more expensive fuel ($/kWh vs. $/m³ of natural gas).

Can I install a fireplace in my Ottawa condo?

Often, yes — but condo board approval is mandatory before any exterior penetration, and most boards restrict installations to electric or sealed direct-vent gas units. Some buildings prohibit any new combustion appliance. We have done dozens of condo installs in Ottawa and will help you secure board approval, choose a code-compliant appliance, and coordinate access for the building.

Do you service fireplaces you didn't install?

Yes. We service every major brand sold in Ottawa — Napoleon, Regency, Valor, Continental, Marquis, Heat & Glo, Pacific Energy, Enviro, and others — regardless of who originally installed it. Many of our maintenance customers came to us because their original installer was no longer in business or no longer responsive.

How do I know if my chimney needs repair?

Common warning signs include visible cracks in the crown or mortar joints, white efflorescence staining on the exterior brick, water staining inside the firebox or ceiling adjacent to the chimney, rust on the damper or firebox, or a musty smell from the firebox. Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycle accelerates masonry damage. We offer chimney inspections and can quote repairs in writing after a visual assessment.

Do you offer financing for fireplace installation?

Yes. We offer financing through Financeit for installations over $2,500, with terms typically ranging from 12 to 84 months. Approval is usually same-day, and rates are competitive. Ask us at the quoting stage for details.

Get a Free In-Home Quote

Book your free in-home consultation — same week in most of Ottawa.

Tell us a bit about your project. We will call back within one business day to schedule a free, no-obligation in-home consultation and provide a written line-item quote within 48 hours of the visit.

Free in-home consultation

We come to your home, measure venting paths, check your chimney, talk through heat output and finishing, and present 2–3 options. No charge, no obligation, no pressure. Most Ottawa neighbourhoods booked within 5 days.

Call us

(613) 555-0142

Showroom

1815 Merivale Road, Nepean, ON K2G 1E2

Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday — emergency only

Serving all of Ottawa and the National Capital Region. TSSA & WETT registered · $2M insurance · WSIB current · 22+ years on Ottawa hearths · 4.9/5 from 250+ verified reviews.

Ready to Get Started?

Let's talk about your Ottawa fireplace.

Same-week consultations across most of Ottawa. Free in-home assessment. Written line-item quote within 48 hours of the visit. No deposit until you say yes.

1. Call or book online Reach us at (613) 555-0142 or submit the form above. We answer in person during business hours.
2. Free in-home consult Scheduled within 5 business days. 45–60 minutes on site to measure, plan, and discuss options.
3. Written quote in 48 hrs Line-item written estimate with 2–3 options at different price points. No surprises later.
4. We handle the rest Permits, scheduling, install, inspection, commissioning. One crew, one timeline, one warranty.
Get your free quote Call (613) 555-0142

TSSA-licensed · WETT-certified · WSIB current · $2M insured · Serving all of Ottawa & the National Capital Region · 4.9/5 from 250+ verified Ottawa reviews

Call now Free quote