In the spring and summer of 2011, the City reviewed all City services to decide which ones to cut, which to reduce, and which to increase user fees for, including important environmental programs. On Tuesday, January 17th, a majority of City Councillors voted to stop proposed cuts to key environmental services in the 2012 City Budget. Read more about how TEA was involved in this victory for the environment!

In May and June the City of Toronto asked Torontonians for their feedback on core services. On Monday July 11th, the City reported on what Torontonians said about city services. 

Save Toronto's Environmental Programs 

As we mentioned in our last newsletter, City Hall has launched a major Service Review on how city services are delivered, who pays for them, and where we can find efficiencies.

Save Toronto's Environmental Programs

City Hall has launched a major Service Review on how city services are delivered, who pays for them, and where we can find efficiencies. The review is asking us to fill in a survey and to rank services provided by the City. Note that you can indicate that all City Services are necessary to the City - you do not actually have to chose between programs.

On May 18, City Council voted to stop burning Scarborough's sewage sludge at the Highland Creek Treatment Plant! Councillor Ainslie (Ward 43) led the charge to oppose the construction of a new incinerator on the site and instead invest in more sustainable, environmentally friendly management options.

On Tuesday May 17th, City Council voted on the proposal to seek private contractors to collect waste in Toronto west of Yonge. Thanks in part to TEA members' calls and emails, Councillors voted with the environment in mind!

Study looks at the eco-impact of private waste contracts

Committee moves to private waste collection

On April 26th, Toronto's Public Works & Infrastructure Committee voted 4-2 to seek bids for private waste collection in the western half of the City. They also approved staff recommendations to bypass a final Council decision on the issue, contrary to the City's own purchasing laws.

On April 26, the Public Works Committee again discussed the Highland Creek Incinerator. Unfortunately, the Committee voted 4 to 2 to continue incinerating sewage sludge in Scarborough. The issue now goes to Council for a final vote later in May.

Public Works and Infrastructure Committee   --   April 26, 2011

Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) Deputation on Agenda Item: 
PW 3.1 Solid Waste Management Services Waste Collection Request for Quotations (RFQs)

City service review poised to exclude real community input

Councillor Moeser is attempting to re-open the debate over incineration at Scarborough’s sewage treatment plant after City Council voted to shut the incinerator down in 2010!

Maps show suburbs lose out on "Backroom" transit deal

Yesterday, we released maps comparing how much light rail transit could be built with the $8.7 Billion committed by the Province. The maps compare the current Metrolinx plan with a proposed compromise plan developed behind the closed doors of Mayor Ford and Premier McGuinty’s offices. 

Transit Campaign: If you haven't already done so, please send an email to City Councillors and Mayor Ford to let them know you support the Transit City light rail plan. 

Thank you to the thousands of you that have emailed and called your Councillors, the Mayor and your MPPs about transit in Toronto. We're having an impact!

It has been a busy week for us at TEA. On Monday, the Toronto 2011 budget was released and with it came a few surprises.

We have a new message for you to send to Mayor Ford and Councillors. We need to make sure City Council has the opportunity to vote on Transit City and we need Councillors to support the Transit City light rail network serving all of Toronto - not only one line. 

TEA delivers 2000 letters to Councillors asking for a green Toronto

Throughout the election campaign, Mayor Ford made it clear he was not interested in the environment (see our Campaign Mid-Term and Final Report Cards and his Council Voting Record for 2007-08 and 2009-10). However, the good news is Torontonians elected a majority of Councillors who have committed to key environmental priorities - 24 Councillors received an A grade on our candidate report card, and one received a B-.