For Immediate Release
July 14, 2011

Toronto: Today, consultants hired by the city identified a host of environmental programs that clean the air, cut energy use and protect the urban forest as programs to be cut to save the City money.

“If these proposed cuts proceed, Torontonians should expect dirtier air, more illnesses, higher energy costs and a crippled economy,” said Franz Hartmann, Executive Director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA). “The consultants didn’t find any gravy, rather they identified programs to cut that are key to making a healthy city and healthy Torontonians.”

In the recent public consultation around core services, 93% of the nearly 13,000 people surveyed said that environmental programs are ‘necessary’ for the city. “Torontonians don’t want to live in a city where clean air and a healthy environment are considered ‘gravy’” said Hartmann.

Consultants hired to review City services and identify which can be cut released a report to Toronto's Parks and Environment Committee today. The report recommended the elimination of the Toronto Environment Office, the City office that coordinates and manages all environmental programs in the city.

“If the City cuts the Toronto Environment Office, there will be no staff at the City to deliver programs that clean the air and create a healthy environment” said Hartmann.

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For more information:
Franz Hartmann, Executive Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance