Vancouver Chapter Update

From the BCSEA Vancouver Chapter:

  1. The City is seeking public feedback on the 2023 budget. The full 2023 Draft Current State Budget includes short and long-term funding to support key City plans and priorities, such as advancing climate mitigation and adaptation work through our Climate Emergency Action Plan and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
  2. In December, City Council approved the Capital budget and deferred a decision on the 2023 Operating budget to spring 2023. Public feedback collected during this period will inform Council’s decision later this spring. This is an opportunity to indicate your priorities for City spending, including on climate action. Complete the comment card and share your thoughts/ invite your networks to do the same by January 24.
  3. The City is partnering with the Zero Emissions Building Exchange and the Carbon Leadership Forum on a research program with incentives for homeowners willing to participate in a study to reduce the embodied carbon of their homes.

This work supports the CEAP’s goal of reducing carbon pollution from buildings.  Invite your interested networks to attend the launch/info session on January 23 – learn more and register here

     4. On January 1, 2023, the following regulations came into effect for home renovations in detached                houses:

    • For major home renovations over $250,000 in value, existing space heating and hot water systems must be replaced with electric versions.
    • Any air conditions system (not including portable air conditioning units) installed in existing homes must also provide heating.

These regulations advance CEAP efforts to reduce the biggest source of carbon pollution in Vancouver, burning fossil fuels to provide heating and hot water in buildings. Learn more here and consider sharing with your networks if you haven’t done so already. The City also offers many supports for homeowners, including renovation rebates and resources and home energy coaching through the Home Energy Navigator program (formerly called Bring It Home 4 Climate).