In a tie-breaking vote made remotely, Mayor Ken Sim reintroduces methane gas in new buildings, undermining Vancouver's climate plan and endangering public health.

VANCOUVER (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories) - Amid ongoing wildfires across British Columbia, Mayor Ken Sim has cast a tie-breaking vote to reintroduce the burning of methane gas in new buildings. This move significantly undermines Vancouver's climate efforts and poses serious health and safety risks to its residents.

Reversing this major element of the climate emergency plan disrupts the City’s efforts to adapt to increasing extreme weather events, such as the 2021 heat dome that killed 619 people in BC. Methane gas in homes is linked to reduced health outcomes for children and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

The vote was contentious, with ABC Councillors Meiszner and Dominato opposing the motion. As a result, Mayor Sim had to call in remotely to break what would have been a 5-5 vote, thereby reintroducing fossil gas heating in the City of Vancouver. This decision hampers Vancouver's transition to cleaner energy technologies, like heat pumps, that are crucial for reducing emissions and managing extreme heat.

Quote from OneCity Vancouver Co-chair, Cara Ng:
"ABC’s actions are not just policy changes; they are a betrayal of our community’s trust and our shared vision for a sustainable Vancouver. It is an insult to the families who lost loved ones in climate emergencies like the heat dome, undermining the sacrifices and efforts we have made to protect our city and future generations."

OneCity Vancouver remains dedicated to defending serious climate action and will work tirelessly to reverse this harmful decision.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OneCity Vancouver media contact:
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