Montreal passes ban on natural gas, oil, and propane in newly constructed buildings
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‘The bylaw on GHG emissions from new buildings represents significant progress in our community’s ecological transition,’ said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
(LifeSiteNews) — The City of Montreal is set to ban natural gas, oil and propane for heating and cooking in all newly constructed buildings by the tail-end of 2024.
On October 27, Montreal’s executive committee approved a bylaw banning all new buildings constructed with three floors or fewer from having any gas hookups beginning in October 2024 as part of the city’s plan to make its buildings emissions free by the year 2040.
“The bylaw on GHG emissions from new buildings represents significant progress in our community’s ecological transition,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, according to CBC News.
Under the new bylaw, gas-powered heating systems, hot water systems and items such as stoves, barbecues, pools and spas will be banned from being installed in new buildings. The bylaw takes effect for buildings up to three stories and 600 square meters in area starting October 1, 2024, and for new, larger buildings, starting April 1, 2025.
Buildings which have not been granted a permit by the announced deadline will be required to build under the new regulations.
The ban includes propane, natural gas and heating oil. However, it exempts buildings hooked up to existing urban heating networks as well as industrial buildings.
The bylaw also provides exemptions to outdoor and temporary heaters for construction, generators, commercial use professional stoves, and outdoor barbecues with propane tanks. However, barbecues connected to a propane network or natural gas will be banned.
According to Radio-Canada, those who fail to comply with the bylaw can face fines of up to $4,000 per day for repeat offences.
The bylaw follows recommendations from earlier this year by the city’s water, environment and sustainable development commission. It is also part of Montreal’s 2020-2030 climate plan, which includes a goal of zero-emission buildings by 2040.
The plan is reportedly inspired by Vancouver and New York City, which are set to enforce similar bans on natural resources.