The City of Vancouver’s decision to overturn the ban on using natural gas to heat new homes and provide hot water has hit a roadblock. The proposed amendment met with an even 5-5 vote during the council meeting on Wednesday, thus failing to pass.

The proposed change had aimed at giving builders the liberty to choose between natural gas and electricity for heating and hot water in new constructions, starting March. The discussions commenced on Tuesday, with city officials answering queries from council members regarding the reintroduction of natural gas heating in new residences. The two-day meeting also saw many public members voicing their opinions due to the high turnout of speakers.

However, city staff, in their report, highlighted that allowing the use of natural gas would severely hamper the city’s efforts towards its 2030 climate goals. They also indicated that while lifting the ban would offer a choice, it would not necessarily enhance affordability or expedite housing approval processes.

Since 2022, the city has prohibited the use of natural gas for heating and hot water in new homes. However, certain uses like cooking and fireplaces are still permissible under the ban.

ABC councillors Peter Meiszner, Lisa Dominato, and Rebecca Bligh, along with two Green councillors, voted against lifting the ban. The remaining ABC councillors and mayor Ken Sim voted in favour of the proposal.

OneCity councillor Christine Boyle, who was recently elected as the NDP MLA for Vancouver-Little Mountain, did not participate in the voting as she is currently on leave and intends to resign from the council. The proposal to lift the ban was first introduced in July by ABC councillor Brian Montague, who voiced concerns about the increasing demand for electricity and its potential impact on heating.

The demand for electricity in BC is expected to rise by at least 15% before the end of the decade.

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