Engagement update
Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback through our online feedback form, webinar series, sector meetings, and more. The proposed amendments are being refined based on input from the engagement, research, alignment with leading jurisdictions, and consideration of current economic conditions. This includes, for example:
- Applying stricter requirements only when new equipment is installed or when equipment is replaced at its natural end-of-life
- Setting short-term requirements achievable with technology available in Canada
- Reducing cost impacts
- Protecting people who live, work, or play near higher-emitting facilities
A report dated April 2025 for the MVRD Board provides an update.
Comments or questions are welcome:
Overview
Metro Vancouver is considering amendments to the
GVRD Boilers and Process Heaters Emission Regulation Bylaw No. 1087, 2008 (Bylaw 1087), which regulates the discharge of air contaminants from boilers and process heaters in buildings and some industrial facilities in the
Metro Vancouver region.
Boilers and process heaters are sources of air contaminants such as
nitrogen oxides (NOx). Emissions of NOx result in the formation of nitrogen dioxide NO2 and can also contribute to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter. Because NO2 is harmful even at low concentrations, the bylaw is intended to protect people from exposure to NO2, particularly sensitive populations such as children, the elderly, and people with existing cardiac and respiratory conditions.
The proposed amendments aim to support continuous improvement to regional ambient air quality and protection of human health by further reducing the discharge of health-harming air contaminants from boilers and process heaters.
Goal, targets, and responsibilities
Under the BC Environmental Management Act, Metro Vancouver is responsible for managing air quality in the region, including by regulating the discharge of air contaminants. To inform air quality management activities, Metro Vancouver establishes ambient air quality objectives that represent acceptable levels of air contaminants, averaged over a given time period. Metro Vancouver updates its objectives periodically to drive continuous improvement in regional air quality, which will better protect human health and the environment.
National objectives known as the
Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) became more stringent at the beginning of 2025. The 2025 CAAQS are listed on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment website.
Metro Vancouver’s
ambient air quality objectives are listed on our website. Amendments to GVRD Bylaw 1087 will help the region continue to meet or be better than the ambient air quality objectives.