10-signs-you-need-to-replace-your-windows-asap
| | |

10 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows ASAP

HOME BUYERS – To get the best exclusive listings visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

Read More

On average, windows will last between 15 to 30 years, though the exact life span depends on several factors, including the type of glass, the quality and material of the frame, the local weather, and whether the window is installed properly or not. Regardless of these factors, windows and window frames can break or begin to show signs of wear, indicating that you need to repair the windows or invest in an upgrade. However, before paying for costly repairs, read on to learn 10 signs you need to replace your windows instead.

1. Visible Damage

One of the most obvious signs that you should consider replacing the windows is if there is visible damage. While you can pay for the windows to be repaired, it’s important to consider their current age. Newer windows might be worth the cost of the repair, but it’s typically more cost-effective to replace older windows that are visibly damaged.

Visible damage can include broken glass, a broken window frame, or even a broken seal that causes fog or moisture to accumulate between the panes. Not only can this damage put the home at risk of wood rot and mold growth, but it also detracts from the appearance of the home, reducing its value and negatively impacting the curb appeal.

2. Difficult to Operate

Windows are designed to function without a lot of effort. You should be able to lock, unlock, open, and close the windows with relative ease, but as windows age, the frame might start to swell, and the hardware can rust or become bent due to regular use. When this occurs, you can pay to have the window hardware replaced or even have the frame repaired, but the same issues might happen again in a few years.

Instead, it might be better to replace the window entirely to ensure you have another 15 to 30 years before you need to worry about the windows again. Keep in mind that while you can replace just one window at a time, it’s often better to invest in replacing multiple windows at once for a lower overall cost.

3. Room Feels Drafty

While windows are designed to allow fresh air into the home, this doesn’t mean you always want outside air flowing into your house. If you notice that the room is drafty or that air seems to be leaking through the windows when they’re closed, this is typically a sign that the seal around them is broken, bent, or otherwise deformed.

Replacing the seal will fix this issue, so if your current budget is too tight for a full window replacement, this might be a short-term solution. However, as the window ages, other problems will begin to occur, so this could be a good time to replace the window entirely.

4. Frames Feel Soft

Some windows have metal window frames, but there is also a wide variety of wooden window frames. After years of exposure to rain, sleet, hail, and snow, the wood frames could begin to rot or break down, causing them to feel soft or spongy to the touch. This is a clear indicator that you will need to replace the windows and frames before the moisture begins to seep into the home.

Similarly, if your window frames are made of metal, look for signs of rusting, chipping, or even crumbling, which typically indicates that the window frame is gradually breaking down. If the frame is no longer able to hold the glass or to keep moisture outside, it puts the home at risk, so plan to replace the windows as soon as possible.

5. High Energy Bills

Home energy bills can be affected by a wide variety of issues around the home, like low-efficiency appliances, poor insulation, aging heating and cooling systems, or faulty windows. Since the furnace works to keep the home warm in the winter, and the air conditioner is primarily responsible for keeping the home cool in the summer, any drafty areas of the home where heat can flow freely through the walls reduce its overall efficiency.

Faulty windows with loose or damaged seals can contribute to rising energy bills by forcing the heating and cooling system to work harder just to maintain the set temperature indoors. If you suspect this is the case, you can have the window seals replaced, though depending on the age and condition of the windows, it might be better to invest in a full window replacement to resolve the issue for the foreseeable future.

6. Water Leaks Through the Windows

Windows are made to keep rain, sleet, hail, snow, and other sources of moisture outside the home, so if you notice that water seems to be coming in through your windows, this is a sign that you need to replace your windows as soon as possible. A little bit of water won’t do a lot of damage, but continued exposure to water can rot the window frame, warp the windowsill, damage the drywall around the windows, cause high humidity in the room, and even damage the flooring under and around the windows, depending on the severity of the leak.

If you are short on funds and need a short-term solution, you might be able to prevent the window from leaking by replacing the seal, though this isn’t a guaranteed fix, especially if the window frame is already damaged. It’s best to replace the window as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the home.

7. Windows Are Outdated

In some cases, there isn’t anything physically wrong with the existing windows, but their look or style can hinder the home’s overall appearance. If you plan to sell your home soon, outdated windows might reduce the amount prospective home buyers offer as well as the property’s value.

Even if you are not planning to sell your home any time soon, it can be a good idea to replace old, out-of-style windows with new, modern windows that improve the appeal of the property. Not only will the look of the new windows enhance the appearance of the home, but you also get the many benefits that come along with having brand new windows, such as improved energy efficiency.

8. Your Allergies Are Worse Than Usual

Not everyone experiences seasonal allergies, but for those who do, you likely want to control the indoor air quality as much as possible. Aging windows with warped window frames or broken seals allow outside air and airborne contaminants to enter the home through narrow gaps that could be difficult to see.

When this occurs, it can increase the amount of allergens in the air, causing your allergies to get worse than usual. If you notice that your allergies are worse in certain areas of the home, then it’s worth inspecting the windows there. The best solution for this problem is to replace the faulty windows with a more effective seal against outdoor allergens.

9. Sound Seeps Through the Windows

Open windows allow outdoor noises to pour into the home, but when the windows are shut, they should block out most of the sound from the surrounding neighborhood, allowing you to enjoy your home in peace. While windows aren’t as sound-resistant as the thick, insulated walls of the home, you should still have relative quiet when the windows are closed.

However, if you constantly have to increase the TV volume or repeat yourself due to traffic, sirens, music, or other outside noises, this can indicate that too much sound is seeping through the windows. Upgrading the existing windows with double- or triple-pane options can be a great way to immediately improve the problem. You might even want to purchase soundproof windows if your neighborhood is especially noisy.

10. Faded Carpet and Furniture Around the Windows

UV radiation can have a serious impact on any carpet, curtains, drapes, or furniture that’s close to the windows. The direct sunlight can cause these materials to prematurely fade, causing a significant discrepancy between the parts of the room that are exposed to the direct sunlight and the parts that remain mostly in the shade.

Windows play a big part in protecting your home from the wind and rain, but they can also help prevent damage from UV radiation. If your carpet and furniture often experience rapid fading due to UV radiation, it’s recommended to replace the existing windows with modern windows that have low-emissivity (low-E) glass, which uses a microscopic film to keep UV rays and solar heat from passing through. Not only does this prevent premature fading, but it also helps to keep your home cooler.

Share this page

Similar Posts

  • | | | | | | | |

    14-Storey Condo Building Pitched for Oak & King Edward

    Westbank has submitted a rezoning application for the Esso Station at the Southwest corner of Oak Street and West King Edward Street in Vancouver. The 11,328 SF site at 1010 West King Edward is currently zoned C-2, which allows up to 6-storeys for rental, or 4-storeys for condo. The Cambie Corridor Plan allows up to 6-storeys for condo and 3.0 FSR. The proposal is to allow for a 14-storey condo building that includes: 85 condo units; 34 one-bedrooms, 36 two-bedrooms & 15 three-bedrooms; 800 SF of retail space on the ground floor; a total density of 8.0 FSR; A building height of 143 ft. 106 underground parking stalls. This application is being considered under the  Cambie Corridor Plan. The architect for the project is Olson Kundig, who also designed Wesgroup’s condo project “W16” at West 16th and Cambie Street. The full rezoning application can be viewed here: https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/1010-w-king-edward

    Share this page
  • | | | | | | |

    Unspoken Fence Etiquette Rules You Should Follow to Be a Good Neighbour

    If you share a backyard fence with neighbors, you know the rules around them can be a bit murky. Is it OK to paint your side of the fence, even if you aren’t the owner? Do you have to let your neighbors know if you plan to make changes to the fence? And, if the fence gets damaged, does the owner need to fix it within a certain timeframe? To provide you with answers to these questions and more, we turned to Kristi Spencer, an etiquette coach and founder of The Polite Company. Spencer stresses the importance of keeping the lines of communication open and being respectful and considerate at all times. When it comes to making any changes, getting permission from the fence owner is a must. Even if you are the owner of the fence, giving your neighbors a heads up about any coming changes is a courtesy they will appreciate and hopefully reciprocate. Below, Spencer shares six fence etiquette rules you need to follow to be respectful to your neighbors. 1. Keep Lines of Communication Open Being friendly when you see neighbors that you share a fence with can go a long way. “Look for ways to keep the lines of communication open with your neighbors, even if it’s just a friendly wave when you see them, ” Spencer says. This maintains pleasant relations and keeps the door open for any future conversations regarding the fence and other neighborhood-related topics. 2. Maintain the Fence and Surrounding Area No matter who the owner of the fence is, Spencer says it’s important to keep both sides well taken care of. This means ensuring it’s in good condition, looks nice and clean, and there is no evident damage to it, whether that’s a hole or a missing plank of wood. Additionally, the etiquette expert says you should take care of the area surrounding the fence, such as the ground underneath it. “Clear away leaves and make sure the weeds are mowed and don’t creep into your neighbor’s property,” she says. Related 3. Inform Neighbors About Any Planned Changes “Even if you are the owner of the fence, always let your neighbors know about any changes you plan to make to it,” Spencer says. Making changes to the fence doesn’t just affect your backyard, it affects your neighbors’ backyard, in both a practical and a visual sense. Make sure you give them a sufficient heads up about any planned changes such as fence repairs, updates, or replacements. Not only is it the considerate thing to do, not doing so can have consequences. For example, if your neighbor has a dog that spends a lot of time in the backyard, you will need to make them aware of any repairs that will be made, as the construction can affect the dog’s safety and ability to be outside. 4. Don’t Paint the Fence Without Permission When it comes to painting the fence, Spencer says any changes should only be made by the owner or with their permission. “I wouldn’t take on any fence improvement projects without the owner’s permission, even if you are stuck looking at an ugly fence,” she says. A fence can be a large investment and if you are not the one who paid for it, painting or staining your side a different color is something you should never do without getting consent first. 5. Have a Conversation About Repairs While ideally, a fence would be repaired as quickly as possible, especially if there is a safety concern with children or pets, Spencer says the owner is not obligated to fix it within a specific timeframe. The only exception is if there is a homeowner’s association or city code violation. If you are waiting for your neighbor to fix the fence, Spencer recommends starting with a friendly conversation. “Offer to help with the repair or a temporary fix if you can, even if it’s just something simple like holding boards or hammering a few nails,” she says. Spencer adds that your neighbor may just be waiting for a contractor or dealing with an insurance issue, so don’t immediately assume they are delaying the repair just to make life difficult for you. 6. Be Considerate and Respectful “No matter what you’ve heard, it’s good neighbors who make good neighbors,” Spencer says. She explains that when we lead with consideration, respect, and honesty, we can build precious relationships that last a lifetime. “When issues arise, approach the situation with an open mind, listen as much, if not more, than you speak, and be willing to compromise,” Spencer adds.

    Share this page
  • | | |

    4 Updates to Invest in (Plus 4 to Skip) When Moving to a Home Short-Term

    Short-term moves can be stressful, and making a temporary space feel like home is important. But before you start knocking out walls and upgrading bathrooms, it’s wise to consider your return on investment—especially if you’re going to be reselling. “The decision to make improvements to a home intended for short-term use should be based on time, money, and immediate gratification,” says Dot Frank, a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Alliance Group. “Since your stay is limited, limit improvements to those you can tackle in short order. Personally, if more than 10% of my stay is spent renovating, it would be a no-go.” Read on for expert tips on the kinds of investments and upgrades to a temporary space that make sense in the long term.  Credit: Jay Wilde Smart Investments for Short-Term Upgrades If you’re having trouble deciding what to invest in for your temporary home, consider your budget and timeline first. “Some upgrades can be very cost effective and can be done quickly, while others can leave you gasping for air and asking yourself ‘are we there yet?” says Devin Juarez, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elite. “Analyzing your budget and how long the project will take will help you prioritize your projects.” Next, decide whether the project you’re considering is a want or a need. “A beautiful bathroom might be a great improvement and make your day great when unwinding at the end of a long day, but if your house needs a new roof due to leaks or a new front porch because you’re afraid you might fall through the floor with every step you take, then it might make more sense to put off the new bathroom,” Juarez says.  Finally, consider the return on investment. If you’re only living in a home for a short time, it doesn’t make sense to sink tons of cash into an upgrade unless you can make the money back when you go to sell.  “Some upgrades such as new windows, new front door, new heater, or even an upgraded water heater to provide more hot water might be aesthetically pleasing, provide more efficiency with utilities, or an added comfort, but their cost does not provide a large return when selling the property,” Juarez says. “There are other investments in your home that could provide a better return with the same investment.” Frank says the ideal investment is a cost-effective improvement you’ll be able to appreciate while you reside in the residence, that also boosts your resale value. “Remember the end game is to resell, so make sure to keep it neutral and appealing to prospective buyers,” she says. “Remember the end game is to resell, so make sure to keep it neutral and appealing to prospective buyers.” — Dot Frank Here are a few projects the experts say are often good investments. 1. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels Kitchens and bathrooms that have been remodeled or updated almost always yield the highest return on investments. “Many buyers go straight to the kitchen when searching for a new home. And many home seekers are paying more attention to the details in the bathroom, as many want that spa-like feel when entering the bathroom,” Juarez says. “We gather around the kitchen when having reunions or unwinding at the end of the day or at the beginning of our days to get the morning boost. An updated kitchen and bathroom can make all the difference between selling your home or it receiving any attention at all.” As you make your updates, try to keep them neutral and pleasing for the widest range of buyers. “Avoid trends that are permanent. You don’t want a permanent trend like your kitchen cabinets. That’s permanent,” says Tammy Doss, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central. Doss also cautions against making cheap upgrades like painting countertops, which won’t last long. Don’t have the time or budget for a major overhaul? Consider a small update. “Kitchens and bathrooms might be the heart of the home, but they can also feel daunting to renovate,” says Marjorie Adam, broker and owner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Pathways. “The good news is that minor upgrades like swapping out cabinet hardware, replacing faucets, and updating light fixtures can be done on a budget and deliver impressive results. These changes elevate the look of the space without requiring a major remodel.” 2. Curb Appeal Updates Doss says curb appeal is one of the best ways to get eyes on your property when you go to sell. “I always tell my buyers, it’s like going on a dating app,” Doss says. “You swipe left or you swipe right. If you see a house that is cluttered with dirty dishes in the sink and it’s just a wreck, you’re going to swipe left. You’re not going to date that house.”  Doss says a well-manicured lawn and facade on your home will draw the most buyers and showings. “Once they’re in the door, they can decide if they want a second date or making an offer,” she says. “They want to see the lawn has been taken care of—no oversized shrub,” Doss says. “They want to make sure the gutters have been taken care of, the porch has been swept off.” If you want to go above and beyond, try adding to your beds. New buyers will be drawn to

    Share this page
  • | |

    8 Expert Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During a Natural Disaster

    Whether you live in an area prone to tornadoes, wildfires, or earthquakes, having an emergency preparedness plan in place can make all the difference in keeping your family, including your pets, safe. We spoke with pet safety experts to learn exactly what you can—and should—do for different types of natural disasters and what you should keep on hand in case of emergency. Roxana Petzold is the pet services senior program manager at the American Red Cross. Susan Anderson is the senior director of disaster response at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 1. Put Together an Emergency Kit Pack a bag to grab quickly if you have to evacuate or shelter. Include enough pet supplies for 7–10 days, including food, water, medications, and bowls. Add a photo of you and your pet in case you get separated. Check expiration dates and update the kit twice a year. 2. Create a Plan There are many circumstances you can’t control, but being prepared is one you can. Build a plan that outlines what you’ll do if an emergency were to occur. Know what kind of natural disasters are most likely to occur in your area and create a plan for each one. Draft additional plans for scenarios like flooding, power or water outages, and house fires. To assist you, use a printable checklist found on aspca.org , then practice your family’s emergency plan. “Everyone should have an assigned role,” says Roxana Petzold, pet services senior program manager at the American Red Cross. “Who’s grabbing which bag? Who’s got the dog?”  3. Download a Pet First Aid App The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app is a great resource for emergencies, including step-by-step instructions for common health and safety issues. You can also connect your vet info and find emergency hospitals and pet-friendly hotels. Keep this on your phone and explore the different resources, so if there is an emergency, you can more easily navigate it. 4. Know What to Do If There’s a Fire If there’s a wildfire and you need to evacuate, your pets should always go with you. That means creating a plan with potential places to shelter that will take pets. Since you can’t guarantee all evacuation sites will accept animals, research this now. Never let your pet near damaged property after a fire, and if air quality is poor, limit time outside.  If the fire is in your house, however, Susan Anderson, ASPCA senior director of disaster response, says, “Don’t go back in to grab your pet, as difficult as this is.” Consider adding a pet alert decal to one of your windows so first responders know there are pets in your home. 5. Practice Taking Shelter for Tornadoes and Large Storms If you need to take cover based on weather alerts and warnings, your pet does too. Go to the lowest level of your home in a room with no windows. After the storm, “Your pet might experience stress, fear, and disorientation. Familiar scents and landmarks might have changed,” Petzold says. Keep pets away from damaged electrical wires and trees, and look for debris on the ground that could be a hazard. Also, be aware that wildlife could have taken shelter in your home. 6. Prepare for a Hurricane or Flooding If local officials issue evacuation orders, follow the same protocol as for a fire. “Never tether pets to a pole or a tree or anything that would prevent them from getting to a safe area,” Anderson says. If you can’t evacuate and there’s a risk of flooding, go to the highest level of your house. After a hurricane or flood, don’t let your pets drink standing water, as it can be contaminated.  7. Be Aware of What to Do If There’s an Earthquake Unlike other natural disasters, earthquakes often happen without warning. If you live in an area where they might occur, it’s important to have large furniture anchored to walls to protect people and animals from falling objects. For any disaster, but especially for earthquakes, identify places in your home where your pet might hide when scared. Additionally, be sure your pets are microchipped and the info is up-to-date.  8. Be Cautious in Extreme Temperatures  “If you don’t want to be outside, your pet shouldn’t be either,” Anderson says. In the cold, put jackets on small or short-haired pets as they have less natural protection. In the heat, test walking surfaces with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Treat an overheated pet with cooling packs or cold water on the head or armpits.

    Share this page
  • | | | | | | |

    Plan for 3 towers next to Commercial-Broadway station finally heads to public hearing

    After nearly a decade of proposals, pushback and debate, a plan to build a set of towers next to one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest transit hubs is getting a public hearing. About 100 people have signed up to speak for and against the proposed redevelopment of a Safeway lot next to the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station. The plan before council envisions three towers, with heights of 44, 38 and 37 storeys, comprising 1,044 rental homes. 2:14 Drastic changes made to Broadway-Commercial Safety redevelopment plan Ten per cent of those units would be secured at city-wide average market rates, while the remainder would lease for going market rates. Story continues below advertisement The proposal has generated strong feelings on both sides, with supporters arguing more housing is critically needed, particularly near transit, and opponents arguing the units won’t be affordable. “Vancouver has a crushing shortage of housing. For decades, we have not been building enough housing, and this neighbourhood, Grandview Woodlands, is a great example of this, we basically haven’t built much new housing there since the 1970s, and as a result the population there is actually declining … despite the fact this SkyTrain station we are talking about is one fo the busiest transit hubs in the country,” Peter Waldkirch, director of Abundant Housing, told CKNW’s The Jill Bennett Show. “Burnaby just proposed an 80-storey tower … it’s actually quite perverse, it’s backwards that we are building bigger and taller buildings than this in the suburbs than we are in the heart of the city.” Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Opponents like Craig Ollenberger, chair of the Grandview Woodland Area Council, say the proposed secured market rental requirement is far too low. A rendering of the trio of proposed towers for Commercial and Broadway in Vancouver. City of Vancouver 2:05 Public hearings on controversial East Vancouver development postponed again Speaking on CKNW’s The Jas Johal Show, he said the city should look to replicate what it did in the Broadway Plan, which is 20 per cent of units at 20 per cent below market rates. Story continues below advertisement “It is bringing nothing but 1,000 luxury rental units to our community, suites that nobody will be able to afford. And for that the city is only asking for 10 per cent of the units to be at market rent,” he said. “This community, the majority of people can’t afford market rent.” The proposed redevelopment would also include a 37-space child care facility, a ground-level public plaza and an upper-level courtyard. Trending Now The development has been contentious ever since it was first put forward in 2016, as part of the broader Grandview-Woodland Community Plan approved by the council led by then-mayor and now federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson. Neighbourhood groups had rejected a previous version of the community plan, arguing it would radically change the neighbourhood’s character, and the pushback led to a municipal citizens’ assembly whose feedback was eventually integrated into the revised 2016 plan, which included a maximum tower height of 24 storeys. A proposal for the Safeway site envisioned two towers, one of them hitting that threshold. 2:04 Grandview Woodland development tour A subsequent version of the proposal, with the tallest tower reaching 30 storeys and composed mostly of condos, nearly made it to a public hearing in 2022, but was sidelined by the 2022 municipal election. Story continues below advertisement “The economics have changed. Rents were lower a few years ago … interest rates were lower … community expectations were different. I think when this project started getting negotiated, you could argue against the need for more housing more successfully,” said Tom Davidoff, an associate professor of economics at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Davidoff said the pressure to get new units built and to comply with the provincial and federal governments’ transit-oriented density requirements will likely weigh in the project’s favour. The site would sit virtually on top of the intersection of two SkyTrain lines and the 99-B Line bus route. It’s TransLink’s third-busiest transit hub, and saw more than 6.2 million boardings in 2023. “If you can’t have density at the intersection of streets named Commercial and Broadway, where there is a major transit intersection, I don’t know where you want people to go,” Davidoff said. With scores of people signed up to speak, Wednesday’s hearing could go late into the evening, — with files from Alissa Thibault &copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

    Share this page
  • | | | |

    Vancouver aiming to grow urban forest canopy but don’t expect the promised 100,000 new trees soon

    Article content Vancouver’s “greenest” city plan, approved in 2011 by the city’s then Vision-Vancouver-majority government, set a target of planting 150,000 trees by 2020. According to a 2020 city presentation, 139,000 trees were planted by that deadline — an average of almost 13,900 a year, far more than the recent pace. Article content Vancouver staff said Wednesday that the city’s focus will be not on the number of trees planted, or the number added, but on the percentage of the city’s land mass protected by tree canopy. Article content ABC Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung said she understands the shift to focus on canopy percentage over tree numbers. But she asked staff whether the target of 30 per cent could be higher, or it could be achieved sooner than 2050, considering that canopy cover increased from 21 per cent in 2013 to 25 per cent in 2022. Article content Joe McLeod, Vancouver’s associate director of urban forestry, responded: “I think the last five per cent of this goal is going to be a lot harder.” Article content Article content “The cream has been skimmed off the top, so to speak,” McLeod said. “During the ‘greenest city’ decade, from 2010 to 2020, all the easiest, least inexpensive tree-planting spots were capitalized upon. And now we’re getting into the harder-to-reach areas. … It’s going to be trickier.” Article content Also, the city wants to prioritize adding trees to areas where the need is greatest. Article content During Vancouver’s June 2021 heat wave, vulnerable people living in areas with less forest canopy were at higher risk of death from heat-related illness, this week’s staff report says. Article content The report includes maps that reveal a stark divide between Vancouver’s cooler and leafier — and traditionally more affluent — west side, and the historically lower-income east side, which is hotter and has fewer trees — especially in and around the Downtown Eastside. Article content Tree planting by the City of Vancouver along East Hastings in one of the areas of Vancouver with the smallest tree canopy. Photo by City of Vancouver Article content A similar pattern plays out across the region. A 2021 analysis by Postmedia journalist Nathan Griffiths found that wealthier neighbourhoods were significantly cooler than their lower-income neighbours who were surrounded by more concrete and roads, and fewer trees. Article content Article content It can be more difficult — and expensive — to plant trees in these “very urbanized environments,” McLeod told council. Article content Removing pavement and excavating to create a new tree pit can cost as much as $20,000, he said. Article content “It is a costly endeavour, but it improves the public realm and obviously provides great benefits to the community.” Article content He cited the 700-block of East Hastings as an example where the city has recently been able to add several new trees to a tree-deficient area. Article content ABC Coun. Mike Klassen proposed directing staff to explore innovative ways to reduce urban heat islands in neighbourhoods with less tree canopy cover, including areas where it is challenging to grow trees. Article content Klassen’s proposal, which council supported, mentioned the example of “vegetated shade structures.” These are roughly four-metre-long sail-shaped awnings covered in vegetation, which are designed by a Spanish company and have been installed above urban streetscapes in Spain, England and Turkey. Article content Asked whether ABC’s 100,000-tree campaign promise was unrealistic, Klassen said: “I’ll never apologize for being ambitious.” Article content “I think all innovative solutions have to be brought to bear,” he said. “What’s our goal? Our goal is to create cooler conditions in the face of a changing climate, and we’re using whatever tools are at our disposal to achieve that.” Article content Article content Article content

    Share this page