Whereas approximately 3,200 single-family homes are demolished each year across British Columbia to make way for higher-density development, according to the Building Relocation and Deconstruction Association of British Columbia; And whereas the average 1,500 square foot wood-framed home is constructed from 40 to 60 mature trees, contains approximately 100 tons of material, and represents an estimated 23 tons of embodied carbon; And whereas the rate of residential demolitions is projected to increase by 35 over the next decade as local governments implement policies that encourage urban densification; And whereas local governments across British Columbia and jurisdictions worldwide are demonstrating policy leadership by promoting home relocation and deconstruction as environmentally responsible and economically beneficial alternatives to conventional demolition: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the provincial government to develop and commit to a plan to see more single-family homes that are slated for demolition, instead be relocated or deconstructed.
