Council approves waste contract, with strict targets
On October 24th, City Council voted to go ahead with a contract with GFL (Green For Life) to collect waste in half of the City. The decision came after nearly half of Councillors failed in a request for a deferral to allow more time to ask staff questions about the nearly $200 million dollar, 7-year contract.
Before the final vote, a number of motions demanding strict reporting and performance targets were passed. Read more on the TEA website, or read the final Council decision here.
Early in 2012, staff will be reporting the details of their contract monitoring plan and performance targets. TEA staff will pay close attention to ensure that our waste diversion programs aren't compromised.
Green Energy in Toronto:
Toronto Wind Power Research Will Continue
In Fall 2010, Toronto Hydro put a wind measuring device in Lake Ontario to see whether enough wind exists to one day put wind turbines in Lake Ontario. On Tuesday, Scarborough Councillor Paul Ainslie tried to convince his fellow Executive Committee Councillors to remove the wind measuring device a year early.
Thankfully, the Executive Committee rejected his proposal. Toronto Hydro will now complete its research to see whether wind power from Lake Ontario is a viable source of green power. Read the decision here.
Toronto Hydro Sell off Delayed to January
The City’s Executive Committee considered selling 10% ownership of Toronto Hydro to reduce future borrowing pressures on the City.
TEA's Executive Director, Franz Hartmann, spoke to the Committee, explaining why TEA is against the sell-off. Read more about TEA's position and his deputation on our website.
Franz noted the sale makes no financial sense since Toronto Hydro is a money-making business. The best way to help the environment and our pocket books is to get Toronto Hydro to increase its energy conservation initiatives.
A majority of Councillors, including half of the Executive Committee members publicly stated in 2010 that they were against selling any part of Toronto Hydro (atCouncil and in TEA's survey, question 14).
In the end, the Committee decided to wait until January to revisit the staff suggestion, as part of the city's budget discussions. Read the final decision here.
City Parks Plan
Toronto's green spaces, waterfront, parks and ravines are integral to the environmental and social vibrance of the City.
Parks, Forestry & Recreation is conducting a public consultation on the future of parks and green spaces in Toronto. Tell the City about the importance of nature in the city, and equitable access to parks and green spaces.
Complete the online survey by November 17, or attend a public consultation session.
TTCriders Meeting
On Oct 25th TTC's Chief Customer Service Officer, Chris Upfold, answered TTCriders' questions about current and future TTC service.
Read more here.