Toronto the Good tackles smog and global warming with Clean Air Action Plan

City of Toronto unveils Phase I of its Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan and Sustainable Energy Plan

TORONTO, June 14 /CNW/ - After extensive public and stakeholder
engagements, the City of Toronto's Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan
and Sustainable Energy Plan will take the first step toward approval at the
Parks and Environment Committee.

On Monday, June 18 at 4 p.m. the Parks and Environment Committee will
hold a special meeting to allow the public to learn more about, and comment
on, the action plan that will see the City and its residents take action on
climate change. The report before the committee brings together two ongoing
City initiatives, the Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan and Toronto's
Sustainable Energy Plan.

"This is a pivotal time for Torontonians. The City of Toronto is
committing to concrete, aggressive actions in these documents, actions that
will begin in 2007 and go forward for years to come," comments Mayor David
Miller. "By approving this report, we are acting on climate change and working
to turn back the clock."

The plan outlines a series of recommendations that build upon existing
programs and policies, and calls for the creation of funding programs for new
programs and initiatives that encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy
initiatives. If passed by Council, recommended actions will start in 2007.

"We all need to rise to the challenge of climate change, and the time to
do that is now. City staff, businesses, energy providers and residents need to
work together to ensure Toronto's climate change goals are met," says
Councillor Paula Fletcher, Chair, Parks and Environment Committee. "The City
of Toronto is taking the first step by creating and approving the plan, but
all parties need to take action to ensure we succeed."


The public will soon be able to access the report online at
www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2007/agendas/pe.htm, or pick up a copy of the report at
City Hall, in City Clerk's Office, call 416-392-6662 to request a copy.


Members of the public are welcome to make a five minute presentation to
the Parks and Environment Committee on June 18, starting at 4 p.m. To register
to speak to the committee, visit the City's website for information on how to
register, www.toronto.ca/city_council/deputation.htm, or call the City Clerk's
Office 416-392-6662.

For more information visit:

http://www.toronto.ca/changeisintheair/index.htm.


The staff report identifies things we can do right now, recommendations
include:
- Accelerating and expanding existing City programs.
- Committing $85 million to support action.
- Creating programs and allotting funds to support individual residents
and neighbourhoods such as:
- Live Green Toronto
- $42 million for an Energy Conservation Fund
- $20 million for a Renewable Energy Fund, and
- $1 million for neighbourhood tree-planting/green roofs.
Creating standards to require and regulate green roofs in
Toronto.
- Making Toronto the renewable energy capital of Canada by investing in
renewable energy in various ways, including:
- Requiring 25 per cent of energy needed for City operations
coming from renewable energy, and
- Expanding Deep Lake Water Cooling.
- Greening all the City's fleets, as well as fleets in the community.


The Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer will report back with
a funding structure for the Plan. Some programs and initiatives identified in
the recommendations will be funded through various means including potential
partnerships with other orders of government and partners in the energy
efficiency and climate change sectors including the Ontario Power Authority,
Toronto Atmospheric Fund, Toronto Hydro Energy Service and the Clinton
Foundation.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home
to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine
of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America.
In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and
innovation in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to
prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.


Visit our website at www.toronto.ca