Advocacy Update: February 2026

The Issue:

Starting in 2026, Owners and managers of existing large office and retail buildings will now be subject to Greenhouse gas intensity (GHGi) limits. Office buildings greater than 100,000 SQFT will be limited to 25 kg CO₂/m²/year. The first reporting deadline is June 1st, 2027.

Our Action:

In conversations with the City of Vancouver, they’ve noted a very high compliance rate for reporting, and the large majority of buildings subject to the 2026 GHG limits will have emissions below the 2026 limits. BOMA BC has been in close contact with the city since the launch of the program and advocated for owner support programs. We also continue to speak to the Province, the City, utilities, and the federal government about access to utility data and barriers to reporting.

Why It Matters:

Keep an eye out in April 2026 for important information to help you stay up to date, including: A BOMA BC webinar and new details from the City on reporting, data verification, submetering options, and much more.

For more information, please visit: https://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/energize-vancouver.aspx

The Issue:

The City of Vancouver is developing an action plan to bring at-risk buildings up to seismic code, including an at-risk building inventory, incentives, and new regulatory tools.

Our Action:

After relaying member concerns, the City of Vancouver has informed us that BOMA BC will be a key stakeholder in program design, once the plan goes to council. We hosted a consultation with City staff and BOMA BC members to ensure the plan reflects the realities of existing commercial buildings.

Why It Matters:

Seismic upgrades could trigger major retrofit costs. Input from our members is helping the City design programs that are practical, incentivize voluntary upgrades, and avoid unintended impacts on property owners.

The Issue:

The City of Vancouver has published the 2025 Vancouver Building Bylaw. There are important implications for tenant improvements that simplify renovations in existing commercial buildings. Changes include:

1. Renovations under $255,000 no longer need structural or non-structural upgrades;
2. Structural and non-structural upgrades for tenant renovations are limited to the tenant space;
3. And existing building rules are reorganized to make compliance options clearer.

Our Action:

BOMA BC consulted with the City of Vancouver and communicated the need to simplify and streamline tenant improvements so that older buildings can conduct minor tenant improvements without triggering larger and more complex upgrades.

Why It Matters:

These changes should help reduce unexpected costs, simplify renovations to older buildings, and minimize unexpected work.

The Issue:

The Union of BC Municipalities Executive Committee, comprised of City Councillors across the Province, reviewed a policy resolution to study the merits of commercial rent control. In December 2025, they voted not to endorse this policy.

Our Action:

BOMA BC issued a letter outlining the significant flaws in commercial rent control, productive alternatives to ease the cost of doing business, and dispelling misinformation about rising commercial rents for small businesses. BOMA BC has also provided comments to the media on the problems with commercial rent control, and we annually attend the UBCM conference to speak with other partners and stakeholders to share our perspective.

Why It Matters:

This resolution was in response to a series of media stories of small businesses closing due to various rising costs.

UBCM's positions are non-binding, but carry significant weight and influence.

UBCM is the governing body representative of BC municipalities and holds an annual conference in which they review policy resolutions from municipalities. Commercial rent control is often brought to the convention floor.

The Issue:

The City of Vancouver is now accepting applications for the Downtown Eastside Temporary Occupancy Permit Pilot.

Our Action:

BOMA BC participated in multiple consultations with the City during program development to ensure the pilot reflects market realities. For 6 uses: Artist studio (Class A); Barber shop or beauty salon; Beauty and wellness centre; General office; Health care office; or Retail store, the pilot will offer DP exemptions, introduce a streamlined permitting pilot, and offer free, proactive inspections.

Why It Matters:

Storefront and retail vacancies remain a major challenge in pockets of the Downtown Eastside. As such, the City is expediting temporary occupancy permits for non-profits and artists to activate vacant retail space in the Hastings/Chinatown corridor.