New Westminster Bylaws impact Food Security and Housing costs

The November 27th city council meeting tackled a wide range of city bylaws. Many of the bylaws dealt with minor issues, but two in particular were discussed at length. Both of these agenda items looked at changes in the coming year that would have a big impact on certain sectors of the residents of New Westminster.

The first item to be discussed at length was the province's zero carbon step code and energy step code that will take effect in January of 2024. This new building code establishes carbon performance tiers, which can impact the use of natural gas for heating. These tiers are connected to the emissions levels associated with energy created in the building. What this means for many is an impact on decisions such as the use of natural gas furnaces versus heat pumps. Discussions around the financial impacts and how this would be measured were considered. In addition, the regulations of natural gas in homes would affect anyone looking to purchase or build a new home in New Westminster.

The second item to generate considerable discussion was an update on the New Westminster Food Security Program. Since the funding to this program ends on December 31, 2023, next steps were discussed on how to keep this program going for local residents in need of food security. Grocery inflation increased by 11% last year. The use of food banks in New Westminster went up by 20% at the same time.

John Stark, Supervisor of Community Planning in New West commented that "the situation has become so much more extreme. I think food bank programs are being challenged by the increased demand...I think what's needed is sustainable funding." In addition, lack of real estate to run the food banks has resulted in the consolidation of New Westminster's food bank with Burnaby. While two grants that will keep the program going until the end of March were highlighted, a more permanent solution is needed.

 Meeting with Greater Vancouver's Food Bank Society and the Don't Go Hungry Program could lead to possible next steps. Other potential partners were discussed, and it was agreed that city staff would return in the new year with a report on possible next steps forward to continue the program.