BCBC Statement on Vancouver Motion to Repeal Natural Gas Heating Replacement Ban

The Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC) supports the City of Vancouver’s motion to repeal the bylaw restricting homeowners from choosing natural gas instead of electric when replacing water heating equipment. With restrictions on natural gas remaining in place for new buildings, BCBC also supports the city’s plan to review other energy-related measures through an affordability lens. 

At a time when affordability is a major concern for British Columbians, approving this motion would be a sensible step. When municipal governments limit energy choice or force costly equipment changes, those costs show up in household budgets, rents, business operating costs, and consumer prices. 

Municipal energy policies should preserve affordable and reliable choices for residents and businesses. We encourage Council to support the motion and continue reviewing Vancouver’s restriction on the use of natural gas in new buildings.