The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating, which represents more than 260 manufacturers and distributors of plumbing and heating products across Canada, issued the following release on Vancouver’s ban on natural gas:

“The City of Vancouver claims in an April 29, 2017 news release that industry consultations took place ahead of changes that remove natural gas as a practical consumer choice. As an industry association representing equipment manufacturers and suppliers, we were not consulted and our attempts to be brought into consultation processes were ignored.

“By choosing not to engage with those who deliver essential heating and plumbing solutions for consumers and businesses, the City is creating incalculable cost and inconvenience for residents, businesses and institutions in Vancouver.

“The rapid changes now being required, with no consultations with industry, are bound to create supply chain issues with manufacturers, and distributors left scrambling to supply the required products. This can result in delays and, even more importantly, added costs for Vancouver residents. Affordability and fuel choice also continue to be of concern to us. Space and water heating with electricity is being forced onto the building owners, which will result in much higher operating costs for the end user.

CIPH continues to work closely with federal, provincial and municipal governments on code and regulatory issues. Although we are a non-partisan organization that is not taking sides in the provincial election, we applaud acts of leadership that restore to the City of Vancouver's processes a responsible attitude toward citizen affordability and collaborative relationships with industry.”