Ensuring Healthier Climate-Smart Homes

Summary

• Directed staff to report back as soon as possible on a plan to update the Vancouver Building Bylaw for new residential buildings to adopt the top step of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code.
• Grounded in IPCC findings on accelerating climate change, the health risks of gas appliances (including increased childhood asthma rates), and BC's new Zero Carbon Step Code enabling local governments to set GHG limits.
• Vancouver's current Building Bylaw already prohibits gas for space and water heating in new buildings but still allows gas stoves and fireplaces; this motion seeks to close that gap.
• Other BC municipalities including Victoria, Saanich, and Burnaby have already adopted or are adopting the highest Zero Carbon Step Code level.
• Plan must include consideration of equity impacts on cultural and equity-denied groups.
• Four speakers in support; ten speakers in opposition appeared at committee.
• Councillors Carr and Fry opposed the final amended motion; Councillors Dominato and Klassen absent.

Vote

Documents

• Motion – Ensuring Healthier Climate-Smart Homes