Starting July 1, 2024, new homes being built in Nanaimo will no longer be allowed to use natural gas as the primary heat source. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

going electric

Top Stories of 2023: Nanaimo bans natural gas as primary heating source in new builds

Dec 30, 2023 | 8:32 AM

NANAIMO — It was a controversial move at the time, and the months since have done little to dampen the views of either side.

In late August, Nanaimo city councillors narrowly voted to fast-track their plans to phase out natural gas heat sources as the primary heat source in all new builds, starting July 1, 2024.

The 5-4 vote means in most cases, new builds would require full electrification for the building’s primary heat source, as well as heating the building’s water.

This puts Nanaimo’s timeline to achieving zero-carbon targets faster than the province’s goal of 2030.

Coun. Hilary Eastmure, Erin Hemmens, Tyler Brown, Paul Manly, and Ben Geselbracht voted in favour, while Mayor Leonard Krog along with coun. Ian Thorpe, Sheryl Armstrong, and Janice Perrino voted against.

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Nanaimo residents were divided on this issue, with a number of residents and stakeholders speaking at the meeting for or against the move.

Chris Bowen, general manager of Nanaimo’s Pioneer Fireplace, expressed concern about what it would mean if he was no longer able to sell natural gas fireplaces for new homes.

“A proposed ban on natural gas in new homes would result in a reduction in revenue of approximately 30 per cent. This would be the case despite the diverse range of products we offer, including a broad range of electric heating appliances.”

Local environmental activist Vic Brice praised the move, referencing the ongoing wildfire situation at the time as a sign things need to change.

“We don’t have time. Fortis tells us we have to go slow. We can’t do that. For our future, for our kid’s future, we have to change now.”

Following Council’s decision, FortisBC released a statement saying they are disappointed but are committed to “achieving a lower-carbon energy future for B.C.”

In November, the City released another statement clarifying the new regulations, as concerns heard both in council and online indicated people were worried this meant natural gas would not be allowed in any new builds.

According to BC Hydro, 70 per cent of energy used in the province is currently from fossil fuels, with 19 per cent from electricity and 11 per cent from biomass.

B.C. introduced the zero carbon step code on May 1 in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in new buildings.

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