Winnipeggers Urge Councillors to Support Critical Motion to Phase Out Natural Gas

(November 21, 2024 – Winnipeg, MB) – Tomorrow, November 22, 2024, the Standing Committee on Water, Waste and Environment will vote on a pivotal motion to direct the Winnipeg Public Service to report on tools and mechanisms to phase out natural gas in buildings. This report is essential to exploring municipal strategies such as grants, zoning and permitting changes, and by-laws to reduce reliance on natural gas, which currently accounts for 93% of emissions from Winnipeg’s buildings.

Environmental advocates and citizens from across Winnipeg are urging Councillors Evan Duncan, Markus Chambers,Shawn Dobson, and Brian Mayes to vote in favor of the motion. As shown in the City’s own Community Energy Investment Roadmap, phasing out natural gas is critical for meeting Winnipeg’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. A well-executed transition to heat pumps, geothermal systems, and other alternative technologies will also save households money on their energy bills and support healthy home air quality. 

“Shifting to renewable energy sources for heating is a complex project which requires coordinated effort by the Province, the City, utilities, households, and businesses. This report will clarify the City’s role and provide a basis for municipal policy to support a swift and cost-effective transition. It also has the potential to create jobs, help homeowners reduce energy costs, and improve the municipal tax base,” says James Beddome, Executive Director of the Manitoba Eco-Network.

“Achieving net zero emissions is increasingly important to our future economic competitiveness and attractiveness as a player in the green economy,” says Derek Earl, Founder and Chair of BizforClimate, an organization that has brought together more than 200 local businesses by signing on to a climate action pledge. “It’s not an easy path to get there, but it absolutely merits investigating to know our options and ensure we develop evidence-based approaches, and provide clarity to the business community. This is what our companies want to see.”

The meeting is scheduled for 9:30 AM at City Hall. Winnipeggers are encouraged to attend or follow the proceedings online.

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Media Contact:

 

James Beddome, Executive Director
Manitoba Eco-Network
1-204-995-2637