Coming to City Council: Environmental Policy Updates – TransformTO and GMAP

As Toronto continues to work towards its goal of net zero emissions by 2040, two environmental policy updates are headed for the next City Council meeting on May 10th.
 
Toronto's TransformTO climate action strategy, which was unanimously approved by City Council in 2017, charts a long-term course to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In December 2021, City Council committed to further reducing GHG emissions in Toronto to net zero by 2040 – one of the most ambitious net zero goals in North America. As a leader in global climate action, the City has taken bold steps such as enabling sustainable building practices through the Toronto Green Standard and being the first major North American city to introduce a carbon budget. 
 
The 2022 TransformTO Annual Report provides an update on the City's progress towards our climate goals. As the first year for the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, 2022 was foundational for establishing the tools necessary to achieve our ambitious target. I am very pleased that 100% of the 30 Short-term Implementation Plan Actions and 97% of the 40 Council directions adopted as part of the Strategy are either in progress or complete.
 
The staff report stresses the importance of continued, ambitious climate actions to reach the City's 2025 target of a 45% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels and a 65% reduction by 2030. The latest data shows that Toronto’s community-wide emissions must be reduced by almost half within the next seven years to meet the 2030 target. Achieving our climate goals will require a concerted effort from the City, businesses, other orders of government, and engaged residents willing to take action.

Green Market Acceleration Program
 
As Vice-Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee, I am excited to announce that we are enhancing the Green Market Acceleration Program (GMAP). Through this program, the City provides access to municipal infrastructure – such as buildings, streets, vehicles, and water – for green sector companies to conduct applied research and trials on pre-market technologies.
 
By supporting economic growth in Toronto's thriving green sector, the GMAP helps to achieve the City's environmental and economic development goals. Access to City resources reduces the barriers and risks associated with developing new green technologies, which in the long-term could achieve global environmental benefits. GMAP also supports Toronto's goals for attracting and retaining businesses, as well as establishing the City as a catalyst in Canada for private-sector green innovation.