Questionnaire on Climate Action

This questionnaire gives all Mayoral candidates the opportunity to share their climate action vision. We welcome candidates to provide details on their plans and proposals. The topics covered in this questionnaire are: how to fund Toronto’s  Net-Zero Strategy ; transportation; buildings; energy; climate resilience; waste; and public engagement.

1.   Funding Toronto’s Net-Zero Strategy 

If you are elected mayor, how would you address a funding deficit of $4.5billion which is the difference between what TransformTO strategy recommended annually to accelerate action to address climate change and what the City has allocated in its last budget? 

2.  Your Transportation Agenda 

As Mayor, how will you approach Toronto’s transportation challenges?  What is your position with regard to:

-       the TTC and the recent cuts to services and increase in fares?

-       the development of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure?

-       the adoption of EVs and the use of e-bikes and EVs for last mile deliveries?  

3. Buildings and Development  

Buildings make up the dominant share of Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions. The City also needs to address the shortage of affordable housing.  As Mayor, how will you approach housing developments, densification efforts, and retrofitting activities in the City while respecting the carbon budget?   

4. Energy Policy  

Changes to electricity production pose opportunities and risks to Toronto’s ability to meet its clean energy goals.  As Mayor what position will you take on the expansion of the Portlands gas plant?  And what are your plans for the expansion of local renewable energy from solar, wind and geothermal power?

5. Climate Resilience 

 The impacts of climate change fall disproportionately on those already impacted by existing inequities: Indigenous people, racialized communities, people with disabilities, people on low-income, especially low-income seniors - and those without adequate housing. If elected Mayor, what actions will you take to improve climate resilience in Toronto?

6. Waste  

The City’s Long Term Waste Management Strategy sets a 2030 goal of diverting 70 percent of waste away from landfill.  As Mayor how will you approach waste reduction, reuse and recycling activities, and circular economy initiatives? 

 7. Public Engagement 

Citizen engagement will be crucial to the success of Toronto’s climate action plan.  As Mayor, how will you encourage our many communities to learn about and participate in our Net-Zero Strategy?  In particular, how do you understand your responsibilities to the Indigenous people of Toronto in relation to Toronto’s climate action plans?

 8. Additional Comments? 

Please let us know if you have any additional comments on how Toronto should approach the challenges of climate mitigation and adaptation.