Don’t let Vancouver city council backtrack on climate action

Vancouver must keep its commitment to ban fossil fuel heating in new homes

In July 2024, under pressure from fossil fuel lobbyists, Vancouver city council decided to reverse a bylaw preventing fossil fuel heating in new homes.

The bylaw is supported by business leaders, health professionals and members of B.C.’s building industry. It helped establish the city as a leader on climate action and inspired other municipalities to enact similar bylaws.

By allowing fossil fuel heating in new buildings, Vancouver risks not meeting its fossil fuel emissions reduction targets. It puts the province at risk for more heat domes and floods and diminishes the city’s reputation as a green city.

The council vote was called at the last minute, and councillors were given misleading information about electricity supply and housing affordability.

We have one more chance to protect this important bylaw. On November 26, council will make its final decision on amending the bylaw.

Tell Vancouver council members that they must keep their commitments to residents, the planet and the future, and keep fossil fuel heating out of new buildings.