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A reversal of the City of Vancouver's ban on natural gas to heat new homes and water will not bear fruit.
The proposed change failed in the council chamber on Wednesday by a 5-5 vote.
The change would allow builders to choose between natural gas and electricity for home heating and hot water in new construction projects from March.
Tuesday's meeting began by answering questions from city council members about the reintroduction of natural gas heating in new homes.
Due to the large number of speakers, citizens shared their thoughts with council members on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In their report, city staff noted that allowing gas would make it much more difficult for the city to meet its 2030 climate goals.
Staff also stated that while lifting the ban would provide freedom of choice, the change would likely not improve affordability or speed up housing approval processes.
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The city has no longer allowed natural gas for heating and hot water in new homes since 2022. However, the ban still allows certain uses, including cooking and fireplaces.
ABC councilors Peter Meiszner, Lisa Dominato and Rebecca Bligh voted against lifting the ban, joining two Green councillors.
All other ABC councilors voted in favor, along with Mayor Ken Sim.
OneCity councilor Christine Boyle was the only councilor not to vote on the option. Boyle is on leave and plans to resign from council as she was elected NDP MLA for Vancouver-Little Mountain.
The original amendment to lift the ban was introduced by ABC councilor Brian Montague in July, raising concerns about rising demand for electricity and its potential impact on heating.
Total electricity demand in BC is expected to increase by 15 percent or more before the end of the decade.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Jacob New
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