TransformTO

TransformTO. It is a long-term, low-carbon climate action plan formally adopted by the Toronto City Council with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions across the community by 2040. The strategy builds upon the foundational work of earlier initiatives like the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and the 2007 Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan. Its development involved extensive technical analysis and public consultation, aiming to transform the city's energy systems, building stock, and transportation network.

Overview

TransformTO represents the City of Toronto's strategic framework to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance community resilience in the face of climate change. The plan sets ambitious, science-based targets aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise. It focuses on systemic changes across major sectors of the urban economy, including energy supply, existing buildings, and transportation infrastructure. The initiative is managed by the City of Toronto's Environment and Climate Division, often in partnership with organizations like the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and The Atmospheric Fund.

Development and adoption

The development of TransformTO was approved by the Toronto City Council in 2015, directing staff to create a new implementation strategy. This process involved comprehensive modeling by consultants such as Hatch Ltd. and Sustainability Solutions Group, and incorporated feedback from thousands of residents through public events and an online engagement platform. Key milestones included the endorsement of the 2050 targets in 2016 and the final adoption of the detailed implementation plan in July 2017. The strategy was informed by previous municipal efforts and reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Key targets and actions

The plan's cornerstone is achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with an interim target of a 65% reduction from 1990 levels by 2030. Primary actions include retrofitting all existing buildings to high-efficiency standards, transitioning to a zero-emissions vehicle fleet, and expanding low-carbon district energy systems like Enwave's Deep Lake Water Cooling. It also mandates that all new buildings constructed from 2030 onward be designed to a zero-carbon standard. Other key measures involve increasing tree canopy cover, reducing solid waste, and promoting active transportation and transit-oriented development.

Implementation and progress

Implementation is advanced through specific strategies like the Zero Emissions Buildings Framework, the Green Will Initiative, and updates to the Toronto Green Standard. Progress is tracked through annual reporting to the Toronto City Council and public reporting platforms. Notable achievements include the expansion of the HOME Energy Loan Program, advancements in the EV Strategy, and the development of the Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy. Collaborative projects with Toronto Hydro, Natural Resources Canada, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities have been instrumental in deploying pilot projects and securing funding.

Criticism and challenges

Critics, including some members of the Toronto City Council and advocacy groups, have argued that the plan's timelines are not aggressive enough to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. Significant challenges include securing the substantial capital required for building retrofits and grid modernization, navigating regulatory hurdles with provincial agencies like the Ontario Energy Board, and ensuring an equitable transition that addresses energy poverty in neighborhoods such as Thorncliffe Park and Jane and Finch. The complexity of coordinating with other levels of government, including the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada, also presents ongoing obstacles.