UBCM Passes Victoria Resolution to Enable Local Governments to Regulate Carbon Pollution From Existing Buildings
Let’s Be Cool Assembly, Saanich 2026
Victoria Council’s Resolution NR30 “Advocacy to Create Enabling Authorities Allowing Local Governments to Regulate Carbon Pollution from Existing Buildings” passed at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention yesterday (Sept. 17). It requests that the provincial government provide authority to local governments to regulate climate pollution from existing buildings.
Jane Welton, co-lead of the Climate Justice Team of Greater Victoria Acting Together reports:
“Greater Victoria Acting Together (GVAT) is delighted this resolution passed. We worked hard to draw it to the attention of elected officials around the province and are grateful for their support and that of the many other organizations and individuals who worked to make this happen. Now it is up to the provincial government to provide local governments with the authority to do the important work of regulating greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings."
Welton states:
“This would be a game changer. In most municipalities, buildings are the 1st or 2nd highest source of emissions. That's why GVAT decided this spring to focus its climate justice work on buildings. We need all municipalities to bring in Right to Cool bylaws and to adopt the highest level of the Zero Carbon Step Code for new builds, to keep people safe, healthy and cool."
Municipalities already have the authority to regulate climate pollution from new buildings. Regulation from existing buildings is the logical next step, with benefits beyond slowing climate change:
Affordability Reducing GHG emissions from buildings involves actions like upgrading energy efficiency and installing electric heat pumps. Generally operating costs go down, a significant affordability co-benefit for building owners and tenants.
Equity Low income households are over-represented in older housing stock. Reducing GHG emissions from existing buildings means those households benefit (more comfortable, healthier homes and lower heating and cooling bills) far more often than has occurred via the Zero Carbon Step Code for new builds.
Health Installing electric heat pumps means energy efficient heating and cooling, preventing health problems and fatalities during heat waves. Heat pumps can also be installed with high quality filtration that protects against wildfire smoke and viruses. Removing gas cooking eliminates a significant contributor to childhood asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Local Jobs Reducing GHG emissions from existing buildings creates many.
We need enabling legislation so municipalities have the authority to regulate carbon pollution from existing buildings.
Further Information Available From:
Jane Welton, co-lead, Climate Justice Team of Greater Victoria Acting Together
250-381-5997 (Landline)
509-322-3509 (cell)
Background
https://www.ubcm.ca/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026%20UBCM%20Resolutions%20Book.pdf
https://pub-victoria.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=106072
