B.C. Liberals pledge to repeal Vancouver’s natural gas ban for new buildings
VANCOUVER — The B.C. Liberals say they will repeal the City of Vancouver’s plans to ban natural gas in some new buildings days ahead of the policy taking effect.
Andrew Wilkinson, candidate for Vancouver-Quilchena, said on Saturday the city’s ban would increase costs to consumers, businesses and residents because it would increase building costs and create a reliance on electricity, which is more expensive.
The city’s new regulations on natural gas, which go into effect Monday, apply to new construction and are part of the city’s larger plan to rely exclusively on renewable energy by 2050.
Documents from a city presentation on Friday explain that the regulations only apply to new construction on rezoned lots, which are typically taller residential or commercial buildings which account for about 55 per cent of new development.