Stories

Municipalities demand climate-ready housing

October 8, 2025

We are happy to report that our resolution calling for cooling green infrastructure was endorsed by the Union of BC Municipalities! We advanced this resolution with our Move the Dial at City Council program.

Together, we’re building momentum to protect people across B.C. from extreme heat, the deadliest climate impact we face.

As temperatures rise, cities and towns around the world are leading with the knowledge that housing must also be climate-ready. This resolution, passed at the Union of BC Municipalities, sent a clear message to the Province that B.C. communities need green infrastructure to keep people safe. (Photo by Mya Van Woudenberg).

Why this win is important

More than 600 British Columbians lost their lives during the 2021 heat dome. The coroner’s review was clear: neighbourhoods without trees and greenspace were the deadliest.

Resolution NR31 calls on the Province to:

Prioritize protections for vulnerable neighbourhoods where residents face the highest risks.
Mandate minimum standards for tree canopy protection, restoration, and permeable surfaces in new housing.
Direct funding to local governments so they can expand shade, greenspace, and cooling infrastructure.

This is not housing vs. trees, we need both!

As temperatures rise, cities and towns around the world are leading with the knowledge that housing must also be climate-ready. This resolution sent a clear message to the Province that BC communities need green infrastructure to keep people safe.

By standing with us, you’ve helped advance this resolution that calls for livable temperatures in our communities and we’re not stopping here: Sierra Club BC is meeting with the BC’s Housing Minister in a few weeks to push for action to ensure the Province implements these changes.

Want to get involved?

Your support makes all the difference. Together, we can make sure every community has the shade, trees, and green infrastructure needed to save lives.

To find out more about how you can move the dial for climate-readiness in your community, send an email to DavidQ@sierraclub.bc.ca

Have you or your organization signed the letter calling on the Province to prevent heat dome deaths? Click here to help us get more signatures!

Thank you for standing up for climate safety in our communities!