Vancouver votes to keep natural gas ban [Video]

After two days of debate, Vancouver city council rejected a motion to re-allow natural gas heating in new construction.

A total of 142 speakers signed up to voice their opinions to council, most of whom argued against bringing back natural gas due to climate change. Others posited natural gas is the more pragmatic option economically.

Vancouver has banned natural gas for heating and hot water in new homes since 2022 in an effort to meet climate targets. Last July, Coun. Brian Montague began the push to reverse the ban, citing housing affordability and fast-tracking construction.

A city staff report says neither option would affect affordability or construction speed. Burning natural gas in buildings accounts for about 57 per cent of carbon emissions in Vancouver, according to the report.

“What we’ve heard resoundingly over the last number of days is that we need to prioritize climate leadership, stay the course, show …