Port Moody Scraps Key Retrofit, Calls for Climate Plan Reevaluation

UPDATE: Port Moody has just announced a shocking decision to eliminate a major greenhouse-gas-reduction project, raising urgent questions about the city’s commitment to its climate goals. During budget discussions on December 2, 2023, the city council unanimously voted to remove a $687,600 retrofit aimed at reducing emissions from the Inlet Centre Fire Hall, despite warnings that this project was crucial for achieving an ambitious 80 percent reduction in civic building emissions by 2030.

Council members expressed growing skepticism about the feasibility of the city’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), with Coun. Kyla Knowles stating, “We’ve given ourselves these targets that we know we can’t reach.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among officials regarding the escalating costs of climate initiatives.

The decision to scrap the fire hall retrofit marks a significant departure from the CAP’s plans. The project, which involved replacing the building’s boiler with a heat pump system, was projected to cut 41 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, contributing to 5.6 percent of the city’s emissions reduction targets. However, the estimated costs ballooned to over 22 times that of a like-for-like replacement, leading council members to question the financial viability of such climate projects.

As Port Moody faces fiscal pressures, the council is grappling with a history of tax increases totaling 21.6 percent over the last three budget cycles. With plans to cut a 6.3 percent increase for next year, the council has also halted a scheduled transfer of $619,000 to the Climate Action Implementation Reserve, which is essential for funding future climate investments.

Coun. Callan Morrison, who initially proposed the removal of the boiler project, stated, “There is no financial benefit. The return on investment is non-existent.” His concerns highlight the balancing act between fiscal responsibility and environmental commitments.

The fallout from this decision could be substantial, with the scrapping of the fire hall project alone now representing a loss of 131 tonnes of anticipated GHG reductions—almost 18 percent of the total needed to meet the city’s 2030 targets. Other recent cancellations include five planned retrofits at municipal pools, further exacerbating the emissions reduction shortfall.

Mayor Meghan Lahti supported the council’s decision but emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the city’s climate strategy. “The project seems a little premature,” she noted, advocating for a reassessment of the CAP to align with realistic financial constraints.

While the council grapples with budgetary issues, the larger implications of these decisions are becoming clear. “What folks are concerned about is their tax bill,” warned Coun. Haven Lurbiecki, stressing the importance of recognizing the ramifications of abandoning climate commitments.

Coun. Samantha Agtarap echoed the need for reevaluation, suggesting there could be other opportunities to achieve emissions goals without incurring exorbitant costs.

The council’s decision may signal a broader trend of hesitancy regarding climate commitments, as similar discussions about budget constraints have arisen in other municipalities. As climate disasters escalate globally, the pressure to balance fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship intensifies.

With the Climate Action Plan now under scrutiny, residents and officials alike are left to wonder: how will Port Moody navigate its future climate obligations, and what does this mean for the city’s environmental legacy?

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.