Toronto is updating its climate action plan, with a new target of net zero emissions by 2040! Last week, the City released the draft TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. Increasing our targets is critical - but implementing the Strategy is key and it will require a robust plan of action and new sources of funding. Read our analysis of the new TransformTO Net Zero Strategy and our recommendations. 

Toronto is releasing a new TransformTO Net Zero Strategy - an update to the TransformTO climate plan - with a target of net-zero by 2050 or sooner. This is a critical time to ramp up Toronto’s climate ambition and set us on a path to a climate-safe future. 

We need climate action now. Since a large share of emissions — about 70 per cent — come from cities globally, we are looking to cities like Toronto to adopt strong climate measures and do our part to make a significant impact on global emissions. 

However, it can be challenging to navigate the numerous climate policies, strategies, plans, and programs at every level of government.

TEA has put together this brief explainer blog to break down what exactly we need to know about Toronto’s climate plans and strategies - especially as the City’s new draft TransformTO Net Zero Strategy is due to be released! 

Cities have a critical role to play in the fight against climate change. TEA is proud to be part of the Urban Climate Alliance (UCA), a coalition of organizations advocating for climate action at the municipal level.

The City of Toronto is reviewing the use of five City-operated golf course locations, and you can share your ideas on how these publicly-owned parklands could be better used in the future to serve the greatest public good. 

July 5, 2021

Re: IE23.6 Water Users Consultation on Water Fees, Charges and Programs

July 5, 2021

Re: IE23.1 Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy 

June 25, 2021

City of Toronto, Planning and Housing Committee 

Re: PH 25.17- Toronto Green Standard Review and Update

We’re thrilled to introduce a new group of multi-residential buildings that are taking ambitious action on waste, creating more sustainable buildings, and building stronger communities!

At its June meeting, Toronto City Council voted to move forward with the first phase of a Single-Use Reduction Strategy targeting disposable cups, bags, utensils and containers! This is a good first step, but it’s only the beginning. Thank you to everyone who spoke up to show support and push Council to take bold and swift action. Here’s what we won and what’s next. 

The East Scarborough Storefront is an excellent model for greening hubs infrastructure with strong community engagement and involvement. Check the virtual tour and learn more about the East Scarborough Storefront.

May 11th is the second annual Day of Action on Litter - a day the Provincial Government introduced to encourage Ontarians to clean up waste in their neighbourhoods. But while residents are doing their part to reduce waste at home and clean up litter, we need our governments to take action to prevent so much waste and plastic pollution from ending up in the environment in the first place.

One of the key partners in the Toronto Environmental Alliance’s Low-Carbon Community Hubs project is the Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC), a community hub in Parkdale. During the pandemic, while climate-focused activities have still continued, the hub has shifted its priorities significantly to meet community needs.

Drawing from a community-based approach used in Massachusetts, Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) supported the launch of a mutual aid network. In March, Parkdale People’s Economy, a network trusteed by PARC, quickly proposed to the local planning table the idea of building on residents' knowledge and leadership and worked with community members and local agencies to create Mutual Aid Parkdale.

Incineration, often called “energy-from-waste” or “thermal treatment”, is a toxic and harmful way to deal with waste. A report in front of City Council could allow waste to be sent for incineration in neighbouring communities in Peel and Durham - but this is counter to Toronto’s climate goals and further burdens communities facing multiple sources of pollution.

We are profiling the stories of success from buildings participating in the Zero Waste High-Rise Project. Learn more about 40 Homewood and how they are creating spaces that enable zero waste in their building.

On March 10th, City Council will vote on a motion for Toronto to endorse phasing out gas-fired electricity generation in Ontario "as soon as possible." 19 other municipalities have already endorsed this call to action. (Learn more about the campaign).

Read our letter in support of the motion.

On February 18th, City Council passed the 2021 City Budget. Read our blog for an update on funding for climate action in this year’s budget. 

The Bathurst-Finch Unison Hub is an excellent example of how community hubs can model sustainability and use their social and physical infrastructure to build equitable, healthy and low-carbon neighbourhoods. We collaborated to hold two tours of the hub to foster peer learning with other community hubs. Check the virtual tour and learn more about the Bathurst-Finch Unison Hub - including how the hub is now responding during the pandemic to support a healthy and resilient neighbourhood.