Last term I made a motion to ensure that going forward buildings built by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service would be green builds. This term, Councillor Mayes and I did this motion based on our commitment and those of many Winnipeggers when they voted for Mayor Gillingham who ran to speed up deep energy retrofits.
The City has so many buildings and so many opportunities for retrofits. I am grateful to work alongside Councillor Brian Mayes, Chair of Water and Waste, to avoid the carbon tax increase and engage in decarbonization.
Here is the motion that we discussed today at Council:
Minute No. 377
Moved by Councillor Mayes,
Seconded by Councillor Rollins,
WHEREAS the federal carbon tax encourages the retro-fitting of existing buildings in order to avoid increased tax payments arising out of the consumption of fossil fuels;
AND WHEREAS in his campaign platform, Mayor Gillingham committed to “…speed up deep energy-efficient retrofits of city buildings”;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Winnipeg Public Service be directed to report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Water, Waste and Environment at its September 8, 2023 meeting on the following:
A. Provide a breakdown of projected carbon tax payments for the City of Winnipeg from 2023 – 2028 (inclusive), based on the projected increases in federal carbon tax rates.
B. Identify the City of Winnipeg structures where retrofits could reduce carbon tax payment obligations in the most cost-efficient manner, including the following:
i. Considerations for levels of services issues, asset renewal, and reliability.
ii. A listing of up to 15 sites and/or $80 million in retrofit investments.
2. That the Proper Officers of the City be authorized to do all things necessary to implement the intent of the foregoing.