The District of Squamish is well on its way to creating an incentive program that will encourage developers to create low-carbon buildings.
On March 2, council voted unanimously in favour of giving two readings to its proposed low-carbon incentive program. It will now go to public hearing on March 23 for public feedback.
"I think this is an important step forward in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions," said Coun. Armand Hurford.
"I think this is a needed step to ensure the future of our community for the next generations to come."
At its crux, the program will lower the default density limit throughout all of town.
Developers who make buildings with lower carbon emissions will be allowed to enjoy the current density limit in place right now.
"The system is proposed as a reductive density bonus. The system lowers the existing density for standard construction, then provides the opportunity to regain the original density by using low-carbon energy sources," said municipal planner Matt Gunn.
"This approach was selected in order to obtain high uptake on this program and to place the focus on lowering carbon, rather than increasing density beyond what is currently permitted."
He said it would apply to residential buildings, such as single-family homes, multi-unit dwellings, and mixed-use residential developments.
More specifically, it would encompass the following zones: RS-1, RS-1A, RMH-2, RS-2, RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, C-1, and C-4.
"I do think it is important to move this forward," said Coun. Jenna Stoner.
"The goal here is about lowering carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, not necessarily to increase density. We know that natural gas, through our community climate action plan, accounts for 25% of our community's greenhouse gas emissions, and, so, realistically addressing that is a super high priority...but it is only one piece of the puzzle."
The incentive will be given so long as a building meets certain greenhouse gas emissions thresholds. The proposed regulation does not make specifications on what kind of technology is encouraged.
"We're looking at a lot of change. We have very little time to do it," said Coun. Chris Pettingill.
"And there's a part of me that would like to go a lot further. I am concerned that we're not including commercial buildings and industrial buildings in this when I, again, look at the calendar. So I'm hoping we will get there."
The District will post details about the March 23 public hearing on its website.
