November 2, 1998
To:Works & Utilities Committee
From:Executive Director, Technical Services
Subject:Transportation Climate Change Table - Progress Report
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to bring committee members up-to-date on the City's participation in the Transportation
Climate Change initiative which involves representatives of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments as well as
the private sector, environmental groups and other stakeholders.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications for this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Background:
On December 10, 1997, Canada agreed to the Kyoto Protocol under which it would reduce its national greenhouse gas
emissions by 6% from 1990 levels, by 2010. Following the Kyoto meetings, Canada's First Ministers agreed to review the
provisions of the Protocol in further detail, examine its consequences and provide for full participation in its
implementation, by the provincial and territorial governments.
Comments:
The Ministers have established fourteen Issue Tables, one of which is Transportation. Its membership includes
representatives from various private industry stakeholders and federal, provincial and municipal governments.
The Table has held three meetings so far and has delivered its Foundation Paper on Climate Change/Transportation
Sector. An executive summary has been provided to members of the committee. This is the first of two deliverables and
its purpose is to sum up all available information on the effect of transportation on climate change.
The second and final document, due in May 1999, is the Options Paper which will identify measures to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions in the transportation sector, including their costs, benefits and impacts.
The Table has four sub-tables reporting to it:
- consultations
- vehicles technology and fuels
- freight
- passenger
These sub-tables are in the process of conducting analytical work with the help of qualified consultants and will establish
contact with identified stakeholders.
Responding to requests by Table members, the two co-chairs have held initial meetings with United States government
officials to explore common strategies, especially for areas lying in close proximity to the border. It is the hope of the
Table that these discussions will lead to cooperative ventures in fulfilment of the common goal.
The Transportation Table examined a number of proposals for early action at its second meeting and decided to put
forward a proposal for a tax exemption for employer-paid transit passes. If implemented, this proposal would result in
employer-paid transit passes being considered a non-taxable employee benefit which is expected to boost transit ridership
in urban centres.
The Transportation Table has a budget of $2.1 million, out of which $1.5 million has been earmarked for technical
analyses, and $0.6 million for the operation of the Table. Regretfully, the federal portion of the budget does not include
travel costs and accommodation for Table members for the nine scheduled meetings. On the other hand, according to a
recent announcement, the Federal Government has identified $30 million for a public education campaign to begin
immediately following the conclusion of the work of the fourteen tables
Conclusion:
The City of Toronto's contribution to the work of the Table is essential, in terms of the urban context, considering that the
majority of the twenty six members represents either government agencies not directly involved in urban transportation or
private groups with specific objectives.
As the work of the Table progresses, we will keep your committee and Council informed.
T. G. Denes, P.Eng.
Executive Director
Technical Services
B. H. Gutteridge
Commissioner
Works and Emergency Services
TGD/fh
