The City of Montreal is ruling out natural gas, oil and propane as an option for heating and cooking in all newly constructed buildings as part of a new bylaw.
Beginning in October 2024, all new buildings constructed with three floors or fewer will be banned from having any gas hookups as part of a bylaw approved by Montreal’s executive committee. The ban will be extended to larger buildings by April 2025.
Any building that has not been granted a permit by the announced deadline will be subjected to the new requirements, meaning that they will not be allowed to have gas stoves, water heaters or heat pumps for hot tubs and pools.
Propane, natural gas and heating oil all fall under the new ban. Buildings that are hooked up to existing urban heating networks and industrial buildings will be exempt however, according to the Montreal Gazette.
Other exemptions will include outdoor and temporary heaters for construction, generators and commercial use professional stoves.
Outdoor barbecues with propane tanks are also exempt, however those which are hooked up to a propane network or natural gas will be banned.
The plan is part of the city’s efforts to make its buildings emissions free by the year 2040 and is part of recommendations previously made by Montreal’s commission on water, environment, sustainable development and large parks.
The commission is made up of borough mayors and city councilors.
The city of Montreal is also recommending residents reduce their overall energy consumption and are promoting the use of heat pumps.
