Incentives instead of mandates, and a moratorium on AI data centres

CLIMATE AND BUILDINGS

TEAM for a Livable Vancouver on climate

TEAM frames climate policy around what it calls practical, measurable local outcomes, and says it will avoid what it calls green-washing.

The clearest split with other parties is on how building emissions rules should work. TEAM would incentivise voluntary upgrades to existing buildings rather than requiring them, arguing mandatory rules may be beyond people’s means.

TEAM is the only party we found publishing a position on AI data centres: a municipal moratorium on approving and permitting them until local rules exist to handle their water and power use.

It also argues the greenest building is the one that already exists, and would prioritise reusing and renovating buildings over demolition.

7 PUBLISHED COMMITMENTS

What they say they will do

• Moratorium on AI data centre approvals

  TEAM would enact a municipal moratorium on approving and permitting AI data centres while local planning and regulatory frameworks are developed.

  Who has the power

  The city controls permitting and land use.

  TEAM for a Livable Vancouver

• Incentives rather than mandates for building retrofits

  TEAM would incentivise voluntary upgrades of existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and move to zero emissions, rather than the mandatory regulation it says is currently proposed.

  TEAM for a Livable Vancouver

• No road pricing and no city-wide parking permits

  TEAM states it will not implement road pricing, which it says unfairly affects affordability and tracks people’s movements, and will not adopt city-wide parking permits.

  TEAM for a Livable VancouverTEAM for a Livable Vancouver

• Prioritise adaptive reuse over demolition

  TEAM would prioritise retaining and renovating existing buildings rather than what it calls a wasteful bias toward demolition and new construction.

  TEAM for a Livable Vancouver

• Expand tree planting and protect mature trees

  TEAM would expand tree planting, protect mature trees, retain and enhance green space, and consider heat island effects when planning growth.

  TEAM for a Livable Vancouver

• Electrify the bus fleet with TransLink

  TEAM would work with TransLink to convert the existing bus system to an electric fleet and expand frequent service on all arterials.

  Who has the power

  TransLink runs the buses. The city sits on the Mayors’ Council.

  TEAM for a Livable Vancouver

• Work with BC Hydro on step energy rates

  TEAM would work with BC Hydro to adjust step energy charges so electricity use is encouraged rather than penalised, noting rates increase by 50% from Step 1 to Step 2.

  Who has the power

  BC Hydro rates are provincially regulated.

  TEAM for a Livable Vancouver