B1.4Advocate for building code standards to avoid overheating

As summer temperatures rise and extreme heat events become more frequent due to climate change, measures to prevent overheating in buildings will become critical to reducing heat-related illness and death. This was tragically demonstrated during the 2021 heat dome, which resulted in 619 deaths, the majority of which occurred indoors. In response, the BC Coroners Service recommended changes to the BC Building Code to require both passive and active cooling measures in new housing.

In March 2024, the Province introduced building code updates requiring that new buildings be designed to maintain an indoor temperature of no more than 26°C in at least one living space per dwelling unit. The City participated in the provincial consultation process that informed these requirements and will monitor their implementation. As opportunities arise, the City will continue to advocate for additional requirements that ensure buildings are designed to protect residents from extreme heat.