Whistler Step Code Requirements
Current Step: 4 | ACH Target: 1.5 ACH50 | Climate Zone: 6 | HDD: ~4,650 | Permit Office: whistler.ca/building
Current Requirements
Whistler requires Step 4 for all new Part 9 residential buildings as of January 1, 2024, exceeding the provincial Step 3 minimum. The Resort Municipality also requires Strong Carbon Performance and is advancing to Zero Carbon Performance (EL-4) in 2026, which will effectively ban fossil fuel heating in new homes.
Climate Considerations
Whistler sits in Climate Zone 6, one of the coldest populated zones in BC. This has major implications:
- Higher insulation requirements: CZ6 wall assemblies need significantly more insulation to hit the same Step Code level compared to CZ4 or CZ5
- Extended heating season: ~4,650 HDD means heating loads dominate the energy model
- Snow loads affect design: Roof assemblies must balance structural requirements with thermal performance
- Moisture management is critical: Cold climates with heavy snowfall increase condensation risk in wall cavities
Key Differences from Okanagan
A house plan that passes Step 3 in Kelowna (CZ5, ~3,715 HDD) will not meet Whistler’s Step 4 requirement without significant upgrades. Expect thicker walls, better windows, and much tighter air sealing. The 1.5 ACH50 target is a meaningful jump from 2.5.
Permit Process
Energy advisor produces compliance report per VBBL requirements, blower door test at 1.5 ACH50, and as-built compliance report. Pre-construction and as-built energy reports are required.
Rebates
- FortisBC: Available for gas-connected homes in FortisBC service territory
- BC Hydro: Applicable for BC Hydro customers
- CleanBC Better Homes: Provincial and federal incentives apply
At Step 4, FortisBC rebates of $9,000 to $15,000 per unit are available through the hybrid heat pump pathway.
Use our rebate calculator to estimate your project numbers.