Montreal’s latest environmental move is set to alter the urban landscape. The city’s executive committee has passed a new bylaw that will put a stop to gas hookups in new buildings of three floors or fewer by October 2024. Larger establishments will experience this shift by April 2025. If building permits aren’t procured by these dates, new buildings will have to adhere to this regulation.

This prohibition extends to gas stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, and heat pumps for pools or hot tubs in new builds, while targeting propane, natural gas, and heating oil.

However, some exceptions have been made. Outdoor heaters, certain professional stoves, construction-related heaters, and barbecues with propane tanks will remain unaffected. Industrial structures and those already connected to existing urban heating setups will also remain exempted.

READ: New York Passes Law That Will Ban Gas Stoves, Natural Gas In New Buildings

One concern raised was the potential strain on the electricity grid. To mitigate this, the city will permit larger buildings to connect to renewable natural gas sources. Although the renewable component of Énergir’s network stands at a minuscule two percent, the upcoming biomethanization plant in Montreal East, set to commence in 2025, is expected to expand this figure.

This move complements Montreal’s broader vision of making its constructions emissions-neutral by 2040, grounded in data revealing that a staggering 57% of building-emitted greenhouse gases originate from the commercial and industrial domain, despite these buildings comprising only 4.1% of the city’s structures.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante stressed the importance of this initiative, noting the significant greenhouse gas contribution from buildings. Marie-Andrée Mauger, leading the city’s ecological transition, emphasized that while the gas ban is a commendable initiative, Montreal’s ambitious 2040 target will necessitate even more extensive efforts. With new buildings by 2040 representing just three percent of Montreal’s total, the focus will inevitably shift towards optimizing energy efficiency in existing structures.

Information for this briefing was found via the Montreal Gazette and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.