Smog Prevention and Reduction: Status Report

and Work Plan

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends:

(1)the adoption of the report (May 18, 1999) from the Chief Administrative Officer; and

(2)that Council reiterate its support for the Toronto District Heating Corporation's Deep Lake Water Cooling Project, and that staff be instructed to finalize the Energy Sharing Agreement with the Toronto District Heating Corporation by the end of June 1, 1999.

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee reports, for the information of Council, having taken the following action respecting the communication (June 1, 1999) from Councillor Jack Layton:

(i)referred the following Recommendation No. (1) to the City Solicitor for report thereon to the meeting of Council scheduled to be held on June 9, 1999:

"(1)that the City immediately institute enforcement of the Anti-Idling Bylaw using a Part 3 Summons technique and that this enforcement be intensified during Smog Days;

(ii)approved the following Recommendation No. (2), as amended:

"(2)that the City Solicitor report directly to Council on June 9, 1999:

(i)on the status of the application for the "set fine" for the Anti Idling By- law which was approved unanimously by City Council early last year; and

(ii)on the applicability of the provisions of Section 102 of the Municipal Act to passing an Anti-Idlying By-law;" and

(iii)referred the following Recommendations Nos. (3), (4) and (5) to the Chief Administrative Officer for report thereon directly to Council for its meeting scheduled to be held on June 9, 1999:

"(3)that staff initiate car pooling at all of the former City Hall locations for Summer 1999, in consultation with the Toronto Environmental Alliance which has experience in helping many large institutions develop and instigate car pooling plans.

(4) that staff be directed to immediately implement an employee parking policy for City Hall and all other work locations so that free commuting spaces become pay for parking, unless free parking is required because of a disability, contractual obligations, or an occupational health and safety concern; and that the Parking Authority of Toronto be responsible for the administration of the City Hall commuter spaces and a system be developed for other sites;

(5)that existing City of Toronto materials that have been developed by Toronto Public Health on how children, the elderly and people with lung and heart conditions can deal with smog days be distributed to the public, possibly via doctors offices in conjunction with the Ontario Medical Association; and that the Chief Administrative Officer and Budget Committee report directly to Council on the funds required to and the source of the funds."

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee submits the following report (May 18, 1999) from the Chief Administrative Officer:

Purpose:

To report on the status of the smog prevention and reduction recommendations adopted by City Council on May 13 and 14, 1998, and to outline a work plan for the next stages of implementation.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no immediate financial implications arising from the recommendations in this report. Subsequent reports will provide the financial implications of implementing each recommendation, including possible funding sources.

A potential funding source for anti-smog initiatives is the Federal Climate Change Action Fund. This fund seeks to allocate $150 million for climate change initiatives. Four types of project are to be funded: (i) technology early action measures; (ii) public outreach; (iii) foundation analysis; and (iv) science, impacts and adaptation.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the appropriate departments, under the coordination of the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team, explore opportunities for funding from the National Climate Change Fund to assist the City in meeting its smog reduction targets;

(2)City Council request the Toronto Transit Commission to provide distribution and marketing services for the TTC Annual Metropass Discount Program to City of Toronto employees as an incentive to encourage reduction of employee automobile use;

(3)City Council request the Toronto Transit Commission and the Finance Department to make TTC Metropasses available to City employees using a monthly payroll deduction program;

(4)in support of this Employee Trip Reduction Program, City Council actively request that the Federal Minister of Finance make employer-provided transit passes an income tax-exempt benefit for employees;

(5)the City join the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP) in order to help the City monitor its progress in meeting its adopted greenhouse gas targets;

(6)the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Chief Administrative Officer, as the co-chairs of the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team, report annually on the City's progress in achieving the milestones of the Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP);

(7)City Council endorse, in principle, the installation of the proposed natural gas capacity at the Lakeview Generating Station with the intention of an eventual full conversion from coal to natural gas;

(8)City Council request Ontario Hydro to adopt emergency measures which would provide for the reduction of power generation at the Lakeview Generating Station during smog alert days;

(9)the Chief Administrative Officer explore with federal and provincial officials ways and means available to ensure that transboundary air pollution issues affecting the City are addressed; and

(10)the appropriate City staff be authorized and directed to take necessary action to give effect thereto.

Council Reference:

On May 13 and 14, 1998, City Council adopted a notice of motion containing fifty-four recommendations related to smog reduction and prevention. These recommendations had been previously adopted by the Councils of the former City of Toronto and the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto. These recommendations requested that the Chief Administrative Officer report in the following areas:

(i)the development of an Employee Trip Reduction program;

(ii)a work plan to implement the 'Blueprint for Action - Smog Reduction in Toronto';

(iii)the development of a Public Education campaign on smog;

(iv)the development of a Municipal Smog-Alert Response Plan;

(v)the promotion of the City's Corporate Smog Initiatives and smog reducing commuting practices;

(vi)the development and implementation of Green Fleets initiatives;

(vii)the City participation in the "Ozone Transport Rulemaking" process;

(viii)purchasing 'Green' Power for the City; and

(ix)producing an annual Anti-Smog report.

This report responds to these requests.

Executive Summary:

Research into the status of the recommendations revealed that some of the recommendations have been implemented, others are in progress and some have yet to be acted upon. The attached report, "Smog Prevention and Reduction: Detailed Status Report and Work Plan" provides a summary and status of each of the recommendation adopted by Council, identifies the lead department(s) and division(s), and outlines the 1999-2000 work plan to further the implementation of recommendations.

In March 1999, the Smog Reduction Work Group, a sub-committee of the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team, was convened by the Healthy City Office to assist in the preparation of a co-ordinated response to Council's adopted anti-smog recommendations, and to oversee corporate policy and planning activities. The Work Group has, and will continue to report to TIE on a regular basis.

In order to report on the status of the notice of motion adopted by City Council in May 1998, the recommendations have been organized into seven issue areas:

(I)Smog Alert

(II)Smog Prevention and Reduction

(III)Public Education and Communications

(IV)Green Fleets

(V)Employee Trip Reduction

(VI)Targets, Measuring and Monitoring

(VII)Inter-governmental Relations

Status of Recommendations:

(I)Smog Alert:

The adopted Smog Alert recommendations requested that the City: develop and implement a Corporate and Municipal smog alert response plan, investigate reducing the amount of incineration at the Main Treatment Plant, ask the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) to develop a strategy for smog alert days, and use electronic message sign boards along the 401 corridor, within City of Toronto boundaries, to alert the public of smog alert days and their health impacts. Many of the Smog Alert related recommendations have been implemented. A Corporate Smog Alert Response Plan was implemented during the 1998 smog season. The Plan was evaluated in early 1999. The Corporate Smog Alert Team met in April 1999; it was agreed that the Corporate Smog Alert Response Plan will include the same initiatives as 1998 with appropriate improvements as identified in the evaluation.

To date, a Municipal Smog Alert Response Plan has not been fully developed, however, there are many avenues of communication through which City of Toronto residents are notified of smog alert days, for example, smog alert messages posted on electronic sign boards along the 401 corridor, Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway. As part of the 1999-2000 Work Plan the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team's Smog Reduction Work Group will initiate the development of a broad-based municipal smog alert response plan for the 2000 smog season and bring forward a report in early 2000. This plan will be developed in conjunction with a broad-based public education campaign on smog.

(II)Smog Prevention and Reduction:

The adopted Smog Prevention and Reduction recommendation requested a work plan for the implementation of the strategy 'Blueprint for Action - Smog Reduction in Toronto', adopted, in principle, by City Council at its May 13, and 14, 1998, meeting; the development of a municipal vehicle inspection and maintenance program; and that the City promote its corporate smog initiatives.

There has been action on all three fronts. Briefly, the Blueprint will be used to guide and direct the work of the City and the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team's Smog Reduction Work Group. The Corporate fleet must comply with the emission standards of the Provincial Drive Clean Program. The Director of Fleet Management Services is currently investigating how best to meet the requirements of the Program. Based on a cost comparison, the Director will recommend in a report to the Corporate Services Committee whether the emissions testing should be contracted out or conducted in-house. Finally, the City is actively promoting its anti-smog initiatives through Urban Planning and Development Services Transportation Management Association (TMA) pilot project. This two year project will involve public and private employers. TMA's have been effective in other cities in assisting employers with savings on parking costs, reducing travel between work locations, office space reduction, and reducing pollution from employee travel.

In addition, Public Health staff, for the summer of 1999, will work in partnership with a large employer on the implementation of a smog alert response plan similar to the one implemented by the City of Toronto.

(III)Public Education and Communications:

The adopted Public Education and Communications recommendations request the development of a city-wide broad-based public education campaign on smog, and that the City consider establishing an Air Quality Advice Line and Dirty Diesel Hotline across the Municipality.

To date, initial steps have been taken to implement a comprehensive public education campaign. For the 1999 smog season the Healthy City Office and Public Health are distributing smog related information through local environmental events such as Pollution Probe's Clean Air Commute and City Councillors' Environment Day events and providing information displays at special events. The Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team's Smog Reduction Work Group will identify an appropriate public education plan on smog and lead staff for the 2000 smog season.

With regards to the establishment of an air quality advice line and diesel hotline, the Ministry of Environment currently operates a Diesel Hotline through its public call centre. This existing diesel hotline could be used as part of a public education campaign on smog. The possibility of setting up an air quality advice line will be considered by the Smog Reduction Work Group as part of the development of a public education plan. The Work Group will report on these plans in early 2000.

(IV)Green Fleets:

The adopted Green Fleets recommendations request the convening of a Corporate Green Fleets Committee to: replace motorized vehicles with non-motorized alternatives, substitute currently used fuels with less polluting alternative fuels, and prepare a report on the feasibility and cost of implementing a green fleet strategy. In addition, the motion requests the adoption of specific emissions reduction targets for the City fleets.

The convening of a Corporate Green Fleets Committee in December 1997 has been important to the work in this area. A Corporate Green Fleets Strategy Status Report was submitted to the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment Team (TIE) on June 3, 1998. The report provides information on the steps that are being taken to develop a corporate green fleet strategy directed at reducing smog causing emissions from City vehicles and equipment.

The Corporate Green Fleets Committee will reconvene in the Fall of 1999. At that time, it will study the feasibility of reducing fleet emissions by 50 percent, and report to Council on the Green Fleet strategy.

(V)Employee Trip Reduction:

The adopted Employee Trip Reduction recommendations request the development of a comprehensive auto trip reduction program be developed for the City, and that a survey of employee travel be conducted.

An Employee Trip Reduction Program (ETRP) is being developed in a phased approach by the Healthy City Office and Urban Planning and Development Services. The initial phase of this program will concentrate on the design and implementation of incentives encouraging employees to use public transit. This report recommends that City Council approve the use of payroll deduction for payment of TTC Metropasses for City of Toronto employees. The ease of this Metropass purchasing process would create a convenience incentive to employees interested in public transit. We also recommend that City Council request that the Federal Minister of Finance make employer-provided transit passes an income-tax exempt benefit for employees.

Subsequent phases of the ETRP will be developed following a comprehensive survey of employee travel, to be conducted by Urban Planning and Development Services and The Healthy City Office. Subsequent phases will address parking allowance for City employees, ridesharing, and telecommuting. The next phase of the ETRP will be reported on in early 2000.

To facilitate the development and implementation of employee trip reduction initiatives a $50,000.00 Clean Air Action Fund has been established under the Toronto Atmosphere Fund.

(VI)Targets, Measuring and Monitoring:

The adopted recommendations request the adoption of specific emissions reduction targets for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the City of Toronto; the purchase of green power for the City; monitoring the economic benefits of implementing anti-smog action and monitoring emissions reductions.

There has been action on most of the adopted recommendations. City Council on May 13, 1998, adopted all of the recommended targets in the motion. The City will be able to monitor its progress in achieving emissions reduction targets with a database being set up by Works and Emergency Services to quantify and monitor municipal and corporate greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions. It is recommended that the City join the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP) in order to help the City monitor its progress in meeting its adopted greenhouse gas targets, and to assist in learning from the experience of other cities.

With regards to the purchase of green power for City use, the Environmental Task Force's (ETF) Sustainable Energy Use Work Group is developing a Sustainable Energy Use Plan for the City that will guide decision-making and policy development on energy use for the City; and help move the City from its dependence on fossil fuels to alternative green energy sources such as wind and solar power. The Energy Use Plan will report on the availability of green power sources, renewable energy targets, and demand and supply-side options for the City. The report will be completed during the summer of 1999.

(VII)Intergovernmental Issues:

The adopted intergovernmental recommendations ask City Council to support the lobbying efforts of the Board of Health to other levels of government on greenhouse gas emissions reduction; to participate in efforts to deal with transboundary air pollution; and request Ontario Hydro to adopt emergency measures during smog alert days.

City Council endorsed the actions of the Board of Health with the May 13, 1998, motion.

With regards to the issue of transboundary air pollution, the Council of the former City of Toronto concluded that due to constitutional restrictions on the ability of the City to participate directly in international negotiations, the most effective way for the City to participate in transboundary air pollution negotiations is in partnership with the Province.

City Council's request regarding emergency measures for smog alert days was not forwarded to Ontario Hydro. In light of the December 15, 1998 announcement to investigate the development of a natural-gas cycle power plant at the Lakeview Generating Station site, this report recommends that City Council endorse, in principle, the installation of the proposed natural gas capacity at Lakeview with the intention of an eventual full conversion from coal to natural gas in order to reduce air pollution emissions.

The report also recommends that City Council ensure that the issues highlighted in this report form part of the inter-governmental agenda for the City of Toronto in its involvement with the Greater Toronto Services Board, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and other related forums.

Work Plan:

The following outlines the 1999 - 2000 work plan for the recommendations which have yet to be acted upon. The work plan has been agreed to by all the identified departments.

What is to be achieved	Timelines	Responsibility
Development of a city-wide public education campaign on smog and smog alert response plan for the 2000 smog season. This process will also assess the feasibility of an Air Quality Advice Line.	Report in early 2000	Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team Smog Reduction Work Group
Investigate and report on the feasibility of road closures during smog alert days	Report by June 1999	Works and Emergency Services
Work with the TTC and Go Transit in developing a contingency transportation plan during smog alert days.	Report by June 1999	Works and Emergency Services
For the 1999 Smog season distribute educational material on smog to residents.	Spring/Summer 1999	Healthy City Office and Public Health
Study the feasibility of reducing fleet emissions by 50 percent.	Fall 1999- early 2000	Corporate Green Fleets Committee
Report on the feasibility and cost of implementing a Green Fleet Strategy for the Corporation.	Fall 1999 - early 2000	Corporate Green Fleets Committee
Conduct a survey of employee travel for the Corporation	Spring/Summer 1999	Healthy City Office and Urban Planning and Development Services
Develop next phases of an employee trip reduction program for the Corporation.	Report in early 2000	Healthy City Office and Urban Planning and Development Services
Report on the feasibility of committing to purchasing 25 percent of electricity used-in house by the City of Toronto from green power sources.	Summer of 1999	Environmental Task Force's Sustainable Energy Use Group
Report on a mechanism to monitor the environmental, social, and economic impacts of City initiatives.	Fall 1999	Healthy City Office
Annual Anti-Smog Report	Annual	Healthy City Office
City Council ensure that the issues highlighted in this report form part of the intergovernmental agenda for the City of Toronto in its involvement with the Greater Services Board, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and other related forums.	On-going

Conclusion:

The smog reduction recommendations adopted by City Council present an ambitious set of targets and initiatives. This report presents an update of activities already underway and outlines a Work Plan to deal with smog for 1999 - 2000.

A review on the status of adopted anti-smog recommendations demonstrates that the City has responded with many actions which are, and will, contribute to smog reduction in the City. The work that is currently underway represents the first steps in an on-going process to deal with the sources of smog both within the Corporation and the City. The implementation of existing anti-recommendations will also spawn opportunities to expand and build new initiatives.

There is now an opportunity for the City to demonstrate its leadership and commitment as a corporation in taking urgent action against smog by committing to the on-going process of smog reduction. The City is in a unique position to play a proactive and leading role, and to create opportunities for City employees to contribute directly through their own practices towards reducing smog. Toronto can be a role model for cities and corporations in Canada and the world.

Contact names:

Lisa Salsberg, Healthy City Office, Tel.: 392-1086; Fax: 392-0089;

email: lsalsber@toronto.ca

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Smog Prevention and Reduction

Detailed Status Report and Work Plan

Healthy City Office

City of Toronto

May 18, 1999

Table of Contents

(1)Introduction

(1.1)Council Reference

(1.2)Smog Reduction Work Group

(2)Status of Smog Reduction Recommendations

(2.1)Smog Alert

(2.2)Smog Prevention and Reduction

(2.3)Public Education and Communication

(2.4)Green Fleets

(2.5)Employee Trip Reduction

(2.6)Targets, Measuring and Monitoring

(2.7)Intergovernmental Relations

(3)Conclusion

(4)Recommendations

(5)Appendices

(1)1999 - 2000 Work Plan

(2)Blueprint for Action - Smog Reduction in Toronto

(3)Table of Status of Recommendations

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(1)Introduction:

Over the last several years, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has earned the reputation of being one of the smoggiest metropolitan areas in Canada. Smog is a distinct form of poor air quality. It occurs on hot summer days when a combination of toxic gases and fine particles forms through a series of chemical reactions triggered by sunlight and heat. Each summer Toronto experiences a number of "smog episodes" or "smog days" on which air quality falls well below acceptable health standards. During the summer of 1998 alone, three separate Air Quality Advisories were called by the Ministry of Environment which lasted a total of seven days.

The negative impacts of poor air quality upon the health of citizens, the environment, and the economy have been documented in a number of reports, including "Smog: Make It or Break It", "Catching Your Breath: A Corporate Model for Clean Air" and "Catching Your Breath: Partnerships for Clean Air", produced by the former City of Toronto's Healthy City Office; and "Outdoor Air Quality: Issues and Concerns" and "Outdoor Air Quality and Respiratory Health" produced by the Public Health Department.

Most recently, as part of the process for setting Canada Wide Standards (CWS) for various air pollutants, the Federal - Provincial Working Group on Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines released the "Ground-level Ozone Science Assessment Document". The report states that the negative health impacts for ground-level ozone are being documented at levels well below (5 times) the current National Ambient Air Quality Objective for ozone. What is of concern about this finding is that there is mounting evidence that ground-level ozone concentrations are increasing in urban areas. Ground-level ozone, a toxic and irritant gas even at minimal quantities, is the main component of smog in Toronto. The David Suzuki Foundation's report "Taking Our Breath Away: The Health Effects of Air Pollution and Climate Change" warns that the production of ground-level ozone, and urban smog, is on the rise due to increasingly hot weather resulting from increasing greenhouse gas emissions (caused by the combustion of fossil fuels).

Deteriorating air quality results in higher rates of asthma attacks; damage to plants, crops, and building; and threatens Toronto's tourism industry, and business in general according to the Provincial report Ontario's Smog Plan released in January 1998. Smog is one of the most persistent air quality problems facing Ontario.

1.1Council Reference:

On May 13 and 14, 1998, City Council adopted a notice of motion containing fifty-four recommendations related to smog reduction and prevention. These recommendations had been previously adopted by the Councils of the former City of Toronto and the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto.

The anti-smog recommendations adopted by City Council reflect the diversity of local sources of smog causing pollutants, including motor vehicles and other modes of transportation, industries and utilities. The recommendations prescribe action in the major smog areas. They also deal with the role of the City as a large employer and emitter of pollutants that can result in smog formation.

1.2Smog Reduction Work Group:

In March 1999, the Smog Reduction Work Group, a sub-committee of the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team, was convened by the Healthy City Office to assist in the preparation of a co-ordinated response to Council's adopted anti-smog recommendations, and to oversee corporate policy and planning activities. The Work Group has, and will continue to report to TIE on a regular basis.

(2)Status of Smog Reduction Recommendations:

In order to report on the status of the notice of motion adopted by City Council in May 1998, the recommendations have been organized into seven issue areas:

(2.1)Smog Alert;

(2.2)Smog Prevention and Reduction;

(2.3)Public Education and Communications;

(2.4)Green Fleets;

(2.5)Employee Trip Reduction;

(2.6)Targets, Measuring and Monitoring; and

(2.7)Intergovernmental Relations.

Research into the status of the recommendations revealed that some of the recommendations have been implemented, others are in progress and some have yet to be acted upon. Table 1 (attached) provides a summary and status of each of the recommendation adopted by Council, and identifies the lead department(s) and division(s). This report summarizes the recommendations which were adopted, provides their current status, and outlines the 1999-2000 work plan to further the implementation of the recommendations.

2.1Smog Alert:

Adopted Recommendations:

(a)Corporate Smog Alert: To implement a corporate-wide Smog Response Plan, including developing an information brochure for employees on the health impacts of smog, and what they can do to reduce their own contributions to the smog problem and investigate road closures during smog alert days.

(b)Electronic Sign Boards: Request the Minister of Transportation to authorize the use of electronic sign boards to alert the public to the air quality index and for similar public health announcements.

(c)Toronto Transit Commission: Encourage the Toronto Transit Commission not to cut any more of their services, ask the TTC to develop a strategy for Smog Alert Days, and work with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit to develop contingency transportation plan.

(d)Incineration at the Main Treatment Plant: The Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to examine the possibility of reducing the amount of incineration at the Main Treatment Plant, specifically on smog alert days.

(e)City-Wide Smog Alert Response Plan: That the City of Toronto develop the means to implement a City-wide Smog Alert Response Plan, activated by the Medical Officer of Health, to come into effect when the provincial Air Quality Index (AQI) is predicted to reach a level of 50, starting in the spring of 1998. (This recommendation is embodied in the Blueprint for Action - Smog Reduction in Toronto' (please refer to Appendix 2) adopted, in principle, by City Council at its May 13 and 14, 1998 meeting.)

Status of Recommendations:

(a)The Medical Officer of Health submitted a report to City Council outlining a Corporate Smog Alert Response Plan at its meeting of June 3 and 4, 1998. The Plan was unanimously adopted by City Council at that meeting. This Plan is activated by the Medical Officer of Health when the provincial Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches a level of 50 (the scale ranges from (0-100+) which indicates that the quality of the air is poor. Each City division developed and implemented their Divisional Plan. Actions taken by City departments and employees during the 1998 Smog Alert Season included:

(i)the suspension of all non-essential vehicles;

(ii)suspension of activities that involve the use of oil-based paints, solvents and cleaners;

(iii)suspension of activities requiring gas powered equipment;

(iv)suspension of pesticide spraying activities;

(v)suspension of re-fueling activities for all non-essential municipal vehicles until after dark on Smog Alert Days; and

(vi)air-conditioning units in municipal offices were set to warmer temperatures and staff were allowed to dress casually.

Fact sheets outlining the Corporation's Smog Alert Response Plan and brochures outlining the health effects of smog were produced and distributed to all City departments and employees. The Plan was evaluated in early 1999 in order to assess if the Smog Alert Notification Protocol succeeded in informing city staff of smog alerts; if staff were able to implement Divisional Smog Alert Response Plans during a Smog Alert period; and if staff received and were aware of communication and educational Smog Alert materials.

The evaluation received an overall response rate of 50 percent. The evaluation revealed that across all divisions, employees were more aware of the Corporate Smog Alert Plan (67 percent) than their own Divisional Response Plan (43 percent). Additional emphasis may be needed in 1999 on the specific activities to be modified within each division. Further, 36 percent of those employees that were aware of their Divisional Plans modified their work activities during a smog alert.

The Corporate Smog Alert Team met in April 1999 to confirm the Divisional Response Plans and notification for the 1999 smog season. The Team agreed that the Corporate Smog Alert Response Plan would include the same initiatives as 1998 with appropriate improvements as identified in the evaluation.

(b)A copy of the recommendations adopted by City Council at its meeting held on May 13 and 14, 1998, were forwarded to the Provincial Minister of Transportation on May 21, 1998. The Provincial Ministry of Transportation manages, and is responsible for, posting information on 20 (out of 30) electronic sign boards along the 401 corridor. Depending on the time of day and time of year different messages are displayed. Daily, during peak periods (6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), traffic safety and congestion management messages are displayed. During off-peak periods general public education messages relating to air quality, such as promoting the use of public transit, and urging drivers to keep their vehicles in good working condition, are displayed. During the 1999 smog season, smog related public education messages will be displayed during the last two weeks of July. Messages displayed on the Highway 401 changeable message signs include: "Help Reduce Smog Keep Your Vehicle Tuned", "Let's Clear The Air Tune Up Your Vehicle", "Help Cut Smog Keep Vehicles Tuned", "Reduce Congestion by Car Pooling", "Share A Ride Try Car Pooling", and "Cut Travel Costs by Car Pooling".

Currently the Air Quality Index (AQI) is not displayed. According to the Ministry, the AQI is not posted because of two main reasons. First, they cannot obtain the information early enough to display it and program it into their computerized messaging system. Second, the target audience, the daily commuter, will not see the AQI because during peak commuting time safety and congestion management messages are displayed. The City posts smog alert information on the electronic sign boards on the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway, over which it has jurisdiction. The City displays messages such as "Smog Alert Tomorrow: Use Transit" and "Smog Alert: Reduce Vehicle Use".

(c)A copy of the recommendations adopted by City Council were forwarded to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) on May 21, 1998. At its meeting of June 17, 1998, the Commission reviewed the "Anti-Smog Initiatives" plan adopted by City Council. The Commission endorsed the plan, and referred it to staff for a report back to the Commission. The staff report (November 30, 1998) outlines the TTC's strategy for smog alerts which is, and has been, to promote the market for, and use of, public transit as an alternative to the automobile. The TTC has the capacity to provide for the additional riders that would be expected to change their commuting habits on Smog Alert Days.

(d)Currently, there are plans to end incineration at the Main Treatment Plant by the year 2000. The Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services has indicated that, at present, it is not feasible to make significant adjustments to the amount of incineration on a daily basis.

(e)The strategy 'Blueprint for Action' was adopted, in principle, by City Council at its May 13 and 14, 1998 meeting. A component of the strategy proposes the development and implementation of a City-wide Smog Alert Response Plan, activated by the Medical Officer of Health, when the Provincial Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches a level of 50. To date, a Municipal Smog Alert Response Plan has not been fully developed, however, there are many avenues of communication through which City of Toronto residents are notified of smog alert days including: City controlled electronic sign board on the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway (smog alert messages are posted); the media (television, radio and print); and notification from the Ministry of Environment and Energy. In addition, Public Health staff are exploring a partnership with a large employer in Toronto to see if they can implement smog alert measures similar to those that the City of Toronto has implemented. As part of the 1999-2000 work plan, the TIE's Smog Reduction Work Group will initiate the development of a broad-based municipal smog alert response plan for the 2000 smog season. The Work Group will bring forward a report in early 2000. Currently, the Province is finalizing a Municipal Smog Alert Response Guide, which may provide financial support for the development of municipal smog alert plans.

Next Steps - 1999/2000 Work Plan:

(a)Road Closures during Smog Alert Days: Works and Emergency Services will investigate and report on the feasibility of road closures during smog alert days by June 1999.

(b)Transportation Contingency Plan: Work and Emergency Services will work with the TTC and Go Transit in developing a contingency transportation plan during smog alert days by June 1999.

(c)The TIE's Smog Reduction Work Group will initiate the development of the municipal smog alert response plan and bring forward a report in early 2000.

2.2Smog Prevention and Reduction:

Adopted Recommendations:

(a)'Blueprint for Action - Smog Reduction in Toronto': That the City develop the legislation, policies, programs and partnerships with business, other levels of government, non-government organizations, individuals and international agencies required to implement the strategy 'Blueprint for Action - Smog Reduction in Toronto' outlined in the report 'Catching Your Breath - Partnership for Clean Air'. Please see appendix 2 for the recommendations outlined in the Blueprint.

(b)Municipal Inspection and Maintenance Program: City Council seek the necessary legislation to permit the City of Toronto to implement a municipal inspection and maintenance program for vehicles licensed within the City of Toronto, at full cost recovery.

(c)Across the Municipality, that the City promote its own corporate smog reduction program, and in conjunction with area employers develop a program to promote and facilitate smog-friendly commuting practices.

Status of Recommendations:

(a)The strategy 'Blueprint for Action - Smog Reduction in Toronto', (see appendix 2) embodied in the former City of Toronto's report 'Catching Your Breath - Partnership for Clean Air", was adopted, in principle, by City Council at its May 13, and 14, 1998 meeting. The Blueprint recommends specific actions to reduce smog across the City of Toronto and outlines policies and initiatives (in the areas of municipal smog alert; smog prevention; communication and education; and commitment) required to achieve those targets.

The Smog Reduction Work Group, a subcommittee of TIE, was formed in early 1999 to assist in the preparation of a co-ordinated response to Council's adopted recommendations, and oversee corporate policy and planning activities in this area. The Blueprint will be used to guide the anti-smog work of the City and the Work Group. Stakeholders will be invited to participate in the subcommittee.

Highlights of City of Toronto initiatives and policies that have been implemented, or are in the process of being implemented, that further the goals of the Blueprint include:

Implemented:

(i)the convening of the Smog Reduction Work Group;

(ii)City Council's re-commitment to support the work of the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF);

(iii)the expansion of the Better Building Partnership Program to the entire City;

(iv)City Council at its December 16, 1998 meeting re-adopted, as a city-wide target for the new City of Toronto, a carbon dioxide emissions reduction goal of 20 percent relative to 1990 levels by the year 2005;

(v)Anti-Idling By-law came into effect in 1996. This by-law limits idling to no more than three minutes in a given 60 minute period (transit is exempt); and

(vi)City Council at its December 16, 1988 meeting adopted, in principle, a ban on pesticide use on all City property.

Work in Progress:

(i)the Sustainable Transportation Plan being developed by the Sustainable Transportation Working Group of the Environmental Task Force;

(ii)the Sustainable Energy Use Plan being developed by the Sustainable Energy Use Working Group of the Environmental Task Force;

(iii)a Transportation Management Association (TMA) pilot project (see Smog Prevention and Reduction section);

(iv)the setting up of a centralized database to monitor and quantify municipal and corporate emissions and emissions reduction by Works and Emergency Services (see Targets, Measuring and Monitoring section);

(v)the Economic Development Committee at its meeting of March 29, 1999, unanimously supported a report from the Pedestrianisation Working Group recommending the development and implementation of a Pedestrianisation Policy for commercial and residential streets of Toronto; and

(vi)The City's support of the Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative (TREC).

(b)City Council at its meeting on October 1 and 2, 1998 endorsed the actions by the Ontario Minister of the Environment to implement a mandatory vehicle inspection and maintenance program (Drive Clean Program). This multi-phased program, operated by private contractors and administered by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), came into effect April 1, 1999. The first phase of the program involves mandatory testing for vehicles registered in the GTA, including Toronto, and in Hamilton-Wentworth. The MOE estimates that by the time the Drive Clean program is fully operational, it will reduce smog-causing pollutants from vehicles in the program area by 22 per cent.

At its April 13, 1999 meeting, City Council re-endorsed its support for the Drive Clean program and requested that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services report in the year 2000 on the experience of the provincial program and whether the City of Toronto should consider carrying out its own monitoring program.

The Corporate fleet must comply with the emission standards of the Drive Clean Program. The Director of Fleet Management Services is currently investigating how best to meet the requirements of the Program. Based on a cost comparison, the Director will recommend in a report to the Corporate Services Committee whether the emissions testing should be contracted out or conducted in-house. The latter option would require the City to apply to the Province to become an accredited Drive Test Facility.

(c)There are two City initiatives that promote the City's smog reduction programs. First, Urban Planning and Development has received $20,000.00 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Health Canada to form a Transportation Management Association (TMA). TMA's are formed when employers cooperate to promote transit, ridesharing, telecommuting, cycling and walking as an alternative to single occupant car travel. This two year pilot project will involve public and private and employers. TMA's can be a useful tool both for employers and employees. Benefits for employers can include: savings on parking costs, reduced travel between work locations, savings on office work space, and reduction of employee travel emissions. For employees benefits can include: improved flexibility in coordinating work and personal schedules, improvements in quality of commute and potential savings on commuting. Once formed the TMA will provide the City the opportunity to share and promote its corporate smog reduction strategies and corporate smog alert response plan. The TMA pilot project will kick-off with a breakfast at the Board of Trade on June 8, 1999 to introduce the TMA pilot project to the business community.

In addition, Public Health staff for the summer of 1999 will work in partnership with a larger employer in Toronto on the implementation of a smog alert response plan similar to the one implemented by the City of Toronto.

2.3Public Education and Communication:

Adopted Recommendations:

The following two recommendations were referred to the Chief Administrative Officer for further consideration and report thereon to City Council:

(a)Public Education Campaign: Consider and report on the development a broad-based public education campaign on smog, with attention to the activities outlined in the strategy 'Blueprint for Action - Smog Reduction in Toronto' adopted, in principle, by City Council (Appendix 2). This campaign should include: what residents can do to reduce their own emissions and ways to promote the City's corporate smog reduction program to other employers and businesses; and

(b)Air Quality Advice Line and Diesel Hotline: As part of a public education campaign, consider and report on the feasibility of establishing an Air Quality Advice Line and Dirty Diesel Hotline across the Municipality.

Status of Recommendations:

(a)Three fact sheets detailing the effects of smog on seniors, children, and people with lung and heart conditions were produced by Toronto Public Health. These fact sheets were made available to the public during the 1998 smog season. For the 1999 smog season the Healthy City Office and Public Health are distributing smog related information through local environmental events such as Pollution Probe's Clean Air Commute and City Councillors' Environment Day events and providing information displays at special events. The Smog Reduction Work Group will identify an appropriate public education plan on smog and lead staff for the 2000 smog season. The Work Group will report on the plan in early 2000.

(b)Currently, the Ministry of Environment operates a Diesel Hotline through its public call centre. This existing diesel hotline could be used as part of a public education campaign on smog. Through the call centre the public can report vehicles emitting visible smoke from their exhaust pipes. Subsequently, the driver of the polluting vehicle will be advised that they may be in contravention of air pollution laws. In addition on April 1, 1999 the Ministry expanded its Smog Patrol program to enforce Drive Clean requirements based on Ontario's vehicle emissions regulation (Regulation 361/98). Regulation 361/98 sets emission standards for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and makes it an offence to operate a vehicle emitting visible emissions of smoke for more than 15 seconds in any five-minute period. Through this on-road program, Provincial officers working with enforcement agencies identify and ticket drivers of polluting vehicles that do not comply with the regulation. Also, emission checks points are set up where officers visually observe the vehicle's exhaust, and/or test the vehicle's exhaust. If the vehicle does not meet the standards for emissions, the driver will be issued either a warning, offence notice and/or field order to have the vehicle repaired.

Next Steps -1999/2000 Work Plan:

(a)Public Education Plan on Smog: For the 1999 smog season the Healthy City Office and Public Health will be distributing smog related information through local environmental events such as Pollution Probe's Clean Air Commute and City Councillors' Environment Day events and providing information displays at special events. The Smog Reduction Work Group will identify an appropriate public education plan on smog and lead staff for the 2000 smog season. The Work Group will report on this plan in early 2000.

(b)Air Quality Advice Line: The possibility of setting up an advice line will be considered by the Smog Reduction Work Group as part of the development of a public education plan on smog and a municipal smog alert response plan. The Work Group will report on these plans in early 2000.

In addition, the Environmental Task Force's (ETF) Education and Awareness Work Group is dealing with the question of how to promote education on environmental issues. The Smog Reduction Work Group has also referred the assessment of an air quality advice line to the Education and Awareness Work Group. The report of the ETF is expected to be completed in the summer of 1999.

2.4Green Fleets:

Adopted Recommendations:

(a)Green Fleets Targets: City Council, through the corporate Green Fleets Committee, adopt targets based on 1997 levels that would achieve:

(i)a minimum 20 percent increase in zero emission vehicles by 2005 (includes human powered vehicles);

(ii)a minimum 20 percent increase in ultra low energy vehicles by 2005; and

(iii)a minimum 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption by 2005.

(b)Reducing Corporate Fleet Emissions: The Chief Administrative Officer consider and report to City Council on adopting a "Green Fleet" target of reducing smog causing pollutants from its own fleet by 50 percent by 2005, through the purchase of an increased number of alternative fuel vehicles, reduction of fleet numbers, driver training programs, and vehicle replacement with non-car transportation modes.

(c)Corporate Green Fleets Committee: Convene a corporate Green Fleets Committee to:

(i)replace motorized vehicles with non-motorized alternative and more efficient systems;

(ii)substitute currently used fuels with less polluting alternative fuels, increasing fuel efficiency and optimizing motor vehicle technology; and

(iii)as a first step prepare a report on the feasibility and cost of implementing a green fleet strategy and report back to Council on the implementation of that strategy.

Status of Recommendations:

(a)The three Green Fleet targets outlined in the May 13 and 14, 1998 motion, adopted by City Council, have been considered by the Corporate Green Fleets Committee. The work of the Committee, convened in December 1997, has been put on hold until the Corporate Fleet Management Review is completed. The adoption of the suggested targets will be considered once the Committee reconvenes in the Fall of 1999.

(b)The Corporate Green Fleets Committee has undertaken a series of initiatives to reduce pollution emissions from the City fleets, such as reviewing opportunities to reduce the size of the fleet as a result of amalgamation, and expanding the use and purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. Once the Committee reconvenes in the Fall of 1999, it will consider and report on the feasibility of reducing corporate fleet emissions by 50 percent.

(c)A Green Fleets Committee was convened in December 1997. A Corporate Green Fleets Strategy Status Report was submitted to the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment Team (TIE) on June 3, 1998. The report provides information on the steps that are being taken to develop a corporate green fleet strategy directed at reducing smog causing emissions from City vehicles and equipment.

Initiatives undertaken by the Corporate Green Fleets Committee which will contribute to significant cost reductions in the operation of the fleet and reduced emissions include the following:

(i)Reviewing opportunities for reducing the size of the fleet as a result of amalgamation: This initiative is in progress.;

(ii)Utilizing bicycles where feasible, in areas such as building and works inspection, park and police operations: Currently, there are some departments which use bicycles in their day-to-day operations, including Parks and Recreation (4 bikes); Animal Control Unit (4 bikes); and the police;

(iii)Continuing driver education and Can-Bike training for employees: Can-Bike training is available throughout the year for employees;

(iv)Use of natural gas, dual fuel, propane and electric vehicles and equipment currently in the fleet;

(v)Expanding the use of alternative fuel vehicles through the purchase of new dedicated natural gas pickups and vans: In the fall of 1998, Fleet Management Services delivered eight new, natural-gas powered trucks to Works and Emergency Services and Parks and Recreation. There is an on-going replacement program to replace old vehicles, as they are decommissioned, with alternative fuel vehicles. Whether a vehicle is replaced with an alternative fuel one depends on need and availability of fuel site locations. For example, certain parts of the City have few commercial gasoline stations that can service natural-gas vehicles;

(vi)Reducing idling of vehicles through the installation of idle timers on approximately 300 vehicles: To date, 350 work vehicles have been installed with idle timers. This initiative is on-going;

(vii)Emissions testing of gasoline powered vehicles: Please refer to Smog Prevention and Reduction section for status;

(viii)Utilizing route optimization software in Solid Waste Management: The Solid Waste Management Department is using route optimization software. This will reduce the number of vehicles required and their emissions; and

(ix)Participating in the Green Fleets Partnership: The partnership is, composed of thirteen cities throughout North America, organized and facilitated by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). The primary focus of Green Fleets is greenhouse gas reduction. The project aims to develop policies and practices that enable municipal leaders and their staff to assess and implement a variety of measures to reduce local demand for travel and transportation energy.

The committee's work plan includes, among other things, exploring initiatives in the following areas:

(i)Including emissions data information requirements in purchasing specifications for new vehicle purchases: Currently, suppliers must provide emissions data to Fleet Management Services on vehicles being considered for purchasing;

(ii)Establishing an emissions baseline for vehicles currently in fleet: An emissions baseline will be developed once the emissions testing is implemented;

(iii)Creating a City bicycle pool for short term work usage by City staff;

(iv)Exploring new technology and vehicles including alternatives to the use of 2-stroke engines currently used in power mowers and leaf blowers: This research is on-going; and

(v)Exploring opportunities for increasing the number of natural gas refueling locations to enable greater use of natural gas vehicles: Fleet Management Services is in consultation with Enbridge Gas on this issue.

Next Steps - 1999/2000 Work Plan:

(a)Reducing Corporate Fleet Emissions: Once the Corporate Green Fleets Committee reconvenes in the Fall of 1999, it will consider and report on the feasibility of reducing corporate fleet emissions by 50 percent.

(b)Feasibility and Cost of Implementing a Green Fleet Strategy: The Corporate Green Fleets Committee will report to Council on the Green Fleet strategy once it has reconvened in the Fall of 1999.

2.5Employee Trip Reduction:

Adopted Recommendations:

(a)Employee Trip Reduction Program: A comprehensive auto trip reduction program be developed and implemented with the following first steps:

(i)effective December 31, 1997, revise the employee parking policy for City Hall and all other work locations so that free commuting spaces become pay for parking, unless free parking is required because of a disability, contractual obligations, or an occupational health and safety concern; and that the Parking Authority of Toronto be responsible for the administration of the City Hall commuter spaces and a system be developed for other sites;

(ii)establish a corporate Clean Air Action Fund with $100,000.00 in seed money and/or also direct the revenue generated from the paid employee commuter parking to this fund; upon establishment of the fund, the Anti-smog Working Group in conjunction with the Healthy City Office report back on projects for use of this fund such as a pedestrian/bicycle commuter facility in City Hall; bulk purchase program for TTC and GO Transit passes; and a plan for telecommuting options, car pooling, variable work hours, a flexible dress code and transit, walking and bicycling incentives; and

(iii)explore alternative sources of funding such as the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) to implement projects that provide incentives for employee trip reduction.

(b)Survey of Employee Travel: A survey of employee travel (commuting and work related) patterns be undertaken every two years, to facilitate the assessment of progress in achieving emission reduction targets and to assist in the development and achievement of employee trip reduction targets.

Status of Recommendations:

(a)An Employee Trip Reduction Program (ETRP) is being developed in a phased approach by the Healthy City Office and the Planning Division. The former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Planning Department previously undertook research and analysis for an employee trip reduction pilot. An ETRP is based on the philosophy of increasing awareness among employees regarding smog created by automobile emissions, and generating incentives and disincentives to change the transportation mode chosen in coming to work. Research from a number of different cities has shown that incentives stimulate reduction of car use and greater use of public transit, cycling and walking.

There are many studies and reports that provide detailed information and analysis in support of ETRP. Three such reports include: the "Travel Demand Management Technical Overview" and the "Short-Term Pro-Transit Report" produced by the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, and "Commuting in the Greenhouse: Automobile Trip Reduction Programs For Municipal Employees" produced by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). According to these sources, a comprehensive ETRP contains a mixture of services and incentives including: Ride-Sharing (such as car pooling and van pooling); Transit Incentives (such as ticket subsidies); Parking Policies (such as the elimination on free parking for single-occupancy vehicles); Trip Elimination (such as telecommuting and variable work hours); Bicycle and Pedestrian Incentives; and Transportation Management Associations. The specific mix of incentives and disincentives will vary according to a number of factors, including work location/site and individual employee factors. The employee survey is an important tool in this assessment.

Public Transit Incentives:

The initial phase of this Program will concentrate on the design and implementation of incentives encouraging employees to use public transit. Discussions with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) indicated a willingness to fully support this Program. The TTC is offering its existing TTC Annual Metropass Discount Program to employees to stimulate the reduction in automobile use. This program offers the TTC Metropass on an annual basis, but with a discount of one month offered to employees who enroll in the Metropass program. Employees therefore pay for 11 months and receive 12 months of TTC Metropasses.

In order to make this program more attractive to employees, it is proposed that the mechanism for obtaining and paying for a TTC Annual Metropass be made convenient and easy. The TTC has offered to be responsible for providing all advertising and marketing information for this program to City employees, and to distribute Metropasses at centralized locations easily accessible to employees throughout the City. It is recommended that the TTC be requested to provide distribution and marketing services related to the TTC Annual Metropass Discount Program to employees throughout the City of Toronto, as an incentive to encourage reduction of automobile use.

In discussion with Payroll and Benefits staff of the Finance Department, the process of payment for purchase of TTC Metropasses via payroll deduction was explored. It is recommended that City Council approve the use of payroll deduction for payment of TTC Metropasses for City of Toronto employees, and that the distribution of such information be implemented and administered by Finance. The ease of this Metropass purchasing process would create a convenience incentive to employees interested in public transit.

The Tax Status of Employer Provided Transit Benefits:

At present, employer provided income tax-exempt transit passes are not available in Canada. This means that employer-paid passes to take public transit - the City of Toronto paying for its employees' Metropasses, for example - becomes a benefit to the employee which is designated as taxable under the Federal Income Tax Act. Any employee receiving an employer-paid transit pass will pay income tax on this benefit. The Amalgamated Transit Union, the Canadian Urban Transit Association, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the TTC, among other organizations, have been advocating a change in the way that the Federal Government taxes employer-provided transit passes. They are attempting to convince the federal government to allow employers to provide their employees with income-tax exempt transit passes as an incentive to use public transportation. In the United States, where this benefit is available, transit expenditures among recipients have increased on average by 23 percent. Such an income tax-free benefit would create a powerful incentive to employees to switch to using public transit, significantly reducing pollution. It is recommended that City Council request the federal government to make employer-provided transit passes an income tax-exempt benefit for employees.

Parking Policy at the City:

An important component of an ETRP is the parking allowance for City employees. Currently a number of employees are provided with access to free parking at their work location either as a function of compensation or because they are deemed to require their car for work related purposes. It is important to look at parking because studies have shown that the supply and price of parking play an important role in employees modal choice decisions. The provision of free parking by an employer is a critical factor in reducing the out-of-pocket cost of an auto trip, and thus making other modes of commuting, such as transit, less competitive.

Currently, the Facilities and Real Estate Division is drafting a new parking policy for the City. The policy will consider the related environmental, health and trip reduction issues.

Other ETRP Initiatives:

A Transportation Management Association (TMA) pilot project, facilitated by Urban Planning and Development Services, will work with employers to promote transit, ridesharing, telecommuting, cycling and walking as an alternative to the car. The Corporate Green Fleets Committee will be investigating the opportunities of creating a City bicycle pool for short term work usage by City staff.

To facilitate the development and implementation of employee trip reduction initiatives a $50,000.00 Clean Air Action Fund has been established under the Toronto Atmospheric Fund.

(b)Urban Planning and Development Services with the support of The Healthy City Office is conducting a survey of employee travel (commuting and work related) patterns for the new City. Previously, the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Planning Department conducted a commute travel survey of Metro Hall employees. Amalgamation has resulted in employee movement to new work locations, and increased employee travel between work sites. The survey will aid in understanding where people work, how they travel to work, and how often they travel between work locations. This essential baseline of employee travel patterns is integral to the design of an effective and relevant ETRP for the City.

Next Steps - 1999/2000 Work Plan:

(a)Employee Trip Reduction Program (ETRP): Subsequent phases of the ETRP will be developed once the survey of employee travel is completed. The next phases of the ETRP will address parking allowances for City employees, ridesharing, and telecommuting. Urban Planning and Development Services and the Healthy City Office will report on the next phases of the ETRP in early 2000.

(b)Survey of Employee Travel: The survey will be distributed to employees in June 1999. During July and August 1999 the survey will be coded and analysed.

2.6Targets, Measuring and Monitoring:

Adopted Recommendations:

(a)Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Targets: Request that the TTC consider and report on adopting a plan of action for emissions reduction, including a 45 percent reduction target for NOx and VOCs, and a 25 percent reduction target for particulate matter emissions, and present the plan to the TTC Commissioners.

(b)Procurement of Green Power: Consider and report on committing to a 1999 target for purchasing 25 percent of the electricity used in-house by the City of Toronto from "Green" power sources, such as wind turbines and solar-powered generators; and challenging private sector companies to commit to the same 1999 target of 25 percent "Green" electricity purchases.

(c)City Emissions Targets:

(i)City Council adopt a target that surpasses the provincial target and reduces corporate nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions by a minimum of 45 per cent, from 1995 to 2005; this reduction be designed to reduce Smog Episode Days from a record high in 1995 of 11 bad air days in Toronto (the highest recorded number in Canada), to two or less Smog Episode Days in 2005.

(ii)that the City of Toronto adopt a city-wide target to reduce NOx and VOCs emissions across the city by a minimum of 45 percent from 1995 to 2005.

(iii)that the City of Toronto adopt a city-wide target to reduce Smog Episode Days from a record high in 1995 of 11 to two or fewer Smog Episode Days in 2005.

(d)Monitoring Economic Benefits: A plan be developed to monitor the economic benefits accrued as a result of implementing the clean air actions recommended in this report.

(e)Monitoring Emissions Reductions: A program to monitor emissions reductions that accrue as the result of the City of Toronto's initiatives be commissioned and other actions be identified that will facilitate the city in meeting its reduction targets.

(f)Annual Anti-Smog Report: That the City of Toronto produce an annual Anti-Smog report detailing:

(i) Progress on achievement of the targets;

(ii)Steps taken to implement the Blueprint; and

(iii)Recommendations for future actions.

Status of Recommendations:

(a)A copy of the recommendations adopted by City Council at its meeting held on May 13 and 14, 1998 were forwarded the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) on May 21, 1998. The TTC's strategy to deal with smog is to promote public transit use. According to the TTC the proposed targets may be difficult to meet because increased ridership increases the number of buses in circulation, which translates to more emissions. In order to reduce their emissions, the TTC currently has 125 alternative fuel buses in service, which run on compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of diesel. The 125 CNG buses is the maximum number the TTC can operate given the current alternative fuel infrastructure at the TTC. Also, the TTC is implementing an in-house vehicle emissions testing program, and has developed a compliance plan to implement the Provincial Drive Clean Program for its fleet.

(b)Currently, the Environmental Task Force's (ETF) Sustainable Energy Use Work Group is developing a Sustainable Energy Use Plan for the City that will guide decision-making and policy development on energy use for the City; and help move the City from its dependence on fossil fuels to alternative green energy sources such as wind and solar power. This process being carried out by a multi-sectoral work group that includes representation from residents, community/environmental groups, utilities, independent power producers, and city staff. The Plan will be integrated into the Environmental Plan being developed by the Environmental Task Force for the new City. The Environmental Plan will be presented to City Council early in 2000.

Research into available green power sources suggest that achieving a purchasing target of 25 percent of the electricity used in-house by the City of Toronto from green power sources is unfeasible at this time. According to senior members of the Sustainable Energy Use Working Group, using the EcoLogo definition of renewable energy (which excludes electricity generated from Niagara Falls), the grid presently does not have the capacity to provide 25 percent of renewable energy. In terms of the availability of renewable energy, not only is there a shortage of suppliers, but also the current low price of energy in Ontario (due to a heavily subsidized nuclear sector, and inexpensive fossil fuel-based energy generation) has created a market where higher priced renewable energy cannot compete. However, this situation is slowly changing. The passing of Bill 35, the Energy Competition Act, by the Provincial Government may provide the market conditions necessary to encourage the development of renewable energies. In addition, the City is supporting local renewable energy projects such as the work of the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative (TREC) and the TREC Windpower Co-op (WPC). TREC is planning to build a 660 kW wind turbine on Toronto's waterfront. The value of the TREC wind turbine is not only the energy it will generate, but also the awareness it is bringing about on sustainable energy issues.

The Sustainable Energy Use Plan for the City being developed by the Environmental Task Force's (ETF) Sustainable Energy Use Work Group will report on the availability of green power sources, renewable energy targets, and demand and supply-side options for the City. The report will be completed during the summer of 1999.

(c)City Council adopted all of the above noted City Emissions Targets.

(d)Works and Emergency Services with financial support from the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) is in the initial stages of setting up a centralized database that will quantify and monitor municipal and corporate greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions and emission reductions in the new City of Toronto. The development of a centralized emissions database, housed in the City, will support the quantification of the City's achievements in smog reduction; allow the City to track its progress in meeting its adopted smog and CO2 reduction targets; help develop sustainable air quality policies; and provide the information needed to investigate the potential for carbon trading at the City. The TAF Board of Directors has approved $25,000.00 to cover the cost of software and its installation, and to provide training and technical support for City staff involved in the project. The Technical Services Division will provide a staff resource for the implementation of the database and application models and data collection. Staff training to carry out this project will begin in the spring of 1999.

The setting up of a centralized database to track greenhouse gas emissions and emissions reduction complements the goals of the Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP), a joint initiative of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The goal of the program is to help municipalities prepare and implement local climate action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To become part of the program a municipality is asked to make a public commitment, in the form of a resolution, to reduce 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emission in municipal operation by 20 percent within ten years of joining the program. Once members, municipalities follow a five milestone process for achieving tangible reductions of local greenhouse gas emissions. The five milestones include: (1) undertaking an inventory of energy use and emissions; (2) setting reduction target(s); (3) developing a local action plan; (4) implementation of the plan; and (5) monitoring and evaluating the success of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The former City of Toronto and the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto were both members of the FCM 20 percent Club (the FCM 20 percent Club recently joined with ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection Campaign to form the existing Partners for Climate Protection Program). It is recommended that the new City of Toronto become a member of the PCP program in order to help the City monitor its progress in meeting its adopted greenhouse targets, aid in the development of greenhouse gas emissions database, and to assist in learning from the experience of other cities.

(e)Anti-Smog Report: This report responds to the request for an anti-smog status report.

Next Steps - 1999 Work Plan:

(a)Monitoring Economic Benefits: The Healthy City Office will report in the fall of 1999 on a process for reporting on the State of the City. This will include a mechanism to monitor the environmental, social, and economic impacts of City initiatives.

2.7Inter-governmental Relations:

Adopted Recommendations:

(a)Ontario Hydro - Lakeview Generating Station: Ontario Hydro be requested to adopt emergency measures which would provide for the reduction of power generation at the Lakeview Generating Station during smog alert days;

(b) Federal Ministry of the Environment: The Federal Minister of the Environment be requested to meet with City Officials to discuss collaborative efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

(c)Board of Health: City Council endorse the actions of the Board of Health in expressing to the Government of Canada its serious concern with Canada's predicted failure to fulfill its international commitment to stabilize carbon dioxide emissions at their 1990 levels by the year 2000;

(d)Board of Health: City Council endorse the actions of the Board of Health in requesting the Government of Canada to commit to a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by the year 2005; conduct a comprehensive baseline study of federal taxes, grants and subsidies which impact on that commitment, and develop and implement the regulatory framework, tax policies and incentive programs necessary to achieve that goal;

(e)Board of Health: City Council endorse the actions of the Board of Health in requesting the Province of Ontario to commit to a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 by the year 2005; examine the policies, regulations, subsidies and incentives that impact on that commitment; and develop and implement the planning policies, tax incentives, subsidies and regulations necessary to achieve that goal; and

(f)Trans-boundary Air Pollution: The Chief Administrative Officer report to City Council by June 1998, on participating in the "ozone transport rulemaking" process by EPA through a petition under section 126 of the Clean Air Act and/or through the "international intervention" section of the Act.

Status of Recommendations:

(a)Council's request was not forwarded to Ontario Hydro.

Coal-fired generating stations are major sources of smog, acid rain, greenhouse gases and toxins such as mercury. The Lakeview Generating Station's impact on air quality has been documented in a number of reports produced by Public Health.

On December 15, 1998, a consortium composed of CU Power, Hydro Mississauga, Ontario Hydro and Toronto Hydro announced the signing of a joint venture agreement to pursue the development of a natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant at the Lakeview Generating Station site. The first phase involves conducting a feasibility study of environmental impacts and economic benefits. Should this phase produce promising results, the next step would include detailed design and engineering leading to regulatory approval. Project scheduling calls for the gas-fired turbines to be fully operational in the latter half of 2002.

The consortium's commitment to pursue the development a gas-fired generator at the Lakeview Generating Station site has the potential to improve air quality. Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel than coal. It releases no sulphur dioxide, no mercury, and none of the toxic particulates associated with coal. It also releases much less carbon dioxide and far fewer nitrogen oxides than does coal. It has not yet been determined by the consortium if the gas-fired generator will be developed as an addition to the coal-fired generator at the Lakeview Generating Station or as a replacement for it. If the gas-fired generator is added to the coal-fired generator at Lakeview, air emissions from the plant could increase in the future. If however, the gas-fired generator is built as a replacement for the coal-fired generator, air emissions could decrease in the future.

The issue of peak demand electricity requirements and increased Lakeview emissions again raises the issue of the facilities' impact on smog alert days. While it is true that the Lakeview Generating Station contributes to smog, its operation is often needed during smog episodes to meet the increase in power demand that results from the increased use of air conditioners in the City of Toronto during smog episodes. In the short term, it is recommended that Ontario Hydro be requested to investigate emergency measures which would provide for the reduction of power generation at Lakeview during smog alert days. In the long term, it may be fruitful to pursue a strategy which includes conversion of the Lakeview Generating Stations to natural gas, the development of renewable energies an co-generated electricity, and greater conservation of energy throughout the City.

(b)A copy of the recommendations adopted by City Council at its meeting held on May 13 and 14, 1998 was sent to Federal Minister of the Environment on May 21, 1998. To date, the City has not received a response to the May 21, 1998 communication. While the City has not met the Federal Minister, City of Toronto staff represent the City on a number of the fifteen national Issue Tables that were set up to examine the consequences of the Kyoto Protocol and the options open to Canada for implementing the Protocol. As part of the Kyoto Protocol, signed in December 1997, Canada has agreed to reduce its emissions of six greenhouse gases by six percent of 1990 levels by 2010. Issue Tables provide expert and detailed input to the analysis, identification and assessment of greenhouse gas reduction opportunities, and aid in the development of Canada's national implementation strategy. Currently, the City has representation on the Transportation and Municipalities Issue Tables. In addition, senior level Federal Government staff participate in the Environmental Task Force, and the work groups on sustainable energy and sustainable transportation.

(c)City Council endorsed the actions of the Board of Health. A copy of the recommendations adopted by City Council at its meeting held on May 13 and 14, 1998 were forwarded to the Federal Minister of the Environment on May 21, 1998.

(d)City Council endorsed the actions of the Board of Health. A copy of the recommendations adopted by City Council at its meeting held on May 13 and 14, 1998 were forwarded to the Provincial Minister of the Environment on May 21, 1998.

(e)City Council endorsed the actions of the Board of Health. A copy of the recommendations adopted by City Council at this meeting held on May 13 and 14, 1998 were forwarded to the Federal Minister of the Environment on May 21, 1998.

(f)The "ozone rulemaking process" refers to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) intent to revise National Ambient Air Quality Standards for both particulate matter and ground level ozone. This regulatory action was announced in November 1996. In March 1997, the Province of Ontario filed submissions with the EPA in respect to proposed new air quality standards. The submission emphasized the concern that air quality in Ontario is directly affected by transboundary movement of pollutants emitted in the United States. It is estimated that 50 percent of the smog over the province originates from the United States.

The former City of Toronto Council at its meeting of October 6 and 7, 1997 adopted a report from the City Solicitor on the issue of transboundary air pollution (September 19,1997). The report determined that due to constitutional restrictions the City had a limited ability to take direct and/or independent legal action in respect of transboundary air pollution control. And that since both the provincial and federal governments monitor the transboundary movement of pollutants emitted in the United States, it was recommended that the City and the Province share their resources and work together to develop and implement strategies to control and abate transboundary air pollution. To date, there has been no cooperation between the City and the Province. On February 19, 1999 Premier Mike Harris announced that Ontario will intervene in support of a EPA ruling requiring 22 American states and the District of Columbia to reduce transboundary air pollution by May, 2003.

It is recommended that the Chief Administrative Officer explore with federal and provincial officials ways and means available to ensure that transboundary air pollution issues affecting the City are addressed.

Next Steps - 1999/2000 Work Plan:

(a) - (d)Council ensure that the issues highlighted in this report form part of the inter-governmental agenda for the City of Toronto in its involvement with the Greater Toronto Services Board, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and other related forums.

(3)Conclusions:

The smog reduction recommendations adopted by City Council present an ambitious set of targets and initiatives. This report presents an update of activities already underway and outlines a Work Plan to deal with smog for 1999 - 2000.

A review on the status of adopted anti-smog recommendations demonstrates that the City has responded with many actions which are, and will, contribute to smog reduction in the City. The work that is currently underway represents the first steps in an on-going process to deal with the sources of smog both within the Corporation and the City. The implementation of existing anti-recommendations will also spawn opportunities to expand and build new initiatives.

There is now an opportunity for the City to demonstrate its leadership and commitment as a corporation in taking urgent action against smog by committing to the on-going process of smog reduction. The City is in a unique position to play a proactive and leading role, and to create opportunities for City employees to contribute directly through their own practices towards reducing smog. Toronto can be a role model for cities and corporations in Canada and the world.

(4)Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the appropriate departments, under the coordination of the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team, explore opportunities for funding from the National Climate Change Fund to assist the City in meeting its smog reduction targets;

(2)City Council request the Toronto Transit Commission to provide distribution and marketing services for the TTC Annual Metropass Discount Program to City of Toronto employees as an incentive to encourage reduction of employee automobile use;

(3)City Council request the Toronto Transit Commission and the Finance Department to make TTC Metropasses available to City employees using a monthly payroll deduction program;

(4)in support of this Employee Trip Reduction Program, City Council actively request that the Federal Minister of Finance make employer-provided transit passes an income tax-exempt benefit for employees;

(5)the City join the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP) in order to help the City monitor its progress in meeting its adopted greenhouse gas targets;

(6)the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Chief Administrative Officer, as the co-chairs of the Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team, report annually on the City's progress in achieving the milestones of the Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP);

(7)City Council endorse, in principle, the installation of the proposed natural gas capacity at the Lakeview Generating Station with the intention of an eventual full conversion from coal to natural gas;

(8)City Council request Ontario Hydro to adopt emergency measures which would provide for the reduction of power generation at the Lakeview Generating Station during smog alert days;

(9)the Chief Administrative Officer explore with federal and provincial officials ways and means available to ensure that transboundary air pollution issues affecting the City are addressed; and

(10)the appropriate City staff be authorized and directed to take necessary action to give effect thereto.

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Appendix 1:1999 - 2000 Work Plan Summary

The following outlines the 1999 - 2000 work plan for the recommendations which have yet to be acted upon. The work plan has been agreed to by all the identified departments.

What is to be achieved	Timelines	Responsibility
Development of a city-wide public education campaign on smog and smog alert response plan for the 2000 smog season. This process will also assess the feasibility of an Air Quality Advice Line.	Report in early 2000	Toronto Inter-Departmental Environment (TIE) Team Smog Reduction Work Group
Investigate and report on the feasibility of road closures during smog alert days	Report by June 1999	Works and Emergency Services
Work with the TTC and Go Transit in developing a contingency transportation plan during smog alert days.	Report by June 1999	Works and Emergency Services
For the 1999 Smog season distribute educational material on smog to residents.	Spring/Summer 1999	Healthy City Office and Public Health
Study the feasibility of reducing fleet emissions by 50 percent.	Fall 1999- early 2000	Corporate Green Fleets Committee
Report on the feasibility and cost of implementing a Green Fleet Strategy for the Corporation.	Fall 1999 - early 2000	Corporate Green Fleets Committee
Conduct a survey of employee travel for the Corporation	Spring/Summer 1999	Healthy City Office and Urban Planning and Development Services
Develop next phases of an employee trip reduction program for the Corporation.	Report in early 2000	Healthy City Office and Urban Planning and Development Services
Report on the feasibility of committing to purchasing 25 percent of electricity used-in house by the City of Toronto from green power sources.	Summer of 1999	Environmental Task Force's Sustainable Energy Use Group
Report on a mechanism to monitor the environmental, social, and economic impacts of City initiatives.	Fall 1999	Healthy City Office
Annual Anti-Smog Report	Annual	Healthy City Office
City Council ensure that the issues highlighted in this report form part of the intergovernmental agenda for the City of Toronto in its involvement with the Greater Services Board, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and other related forums.	On-going

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Appendix 2:Blueprint For Action - Smog Reduction In Toronto

(A)Smog Alert Response:

That the City of Toronto initiate and implement a City-wide Smog Alert Response Plan, activated by the Medical Officer of Health, to come into effect when the provincial Air Quality Index (AQI)* is predicted to reach a level of 50, starting in the spring of 1998.

This plan is to be implemented over a two year period in partnership with major employers, businesses, other levels of government, community groups, and individuals. Activities to be considered for suspension or curtailment include:

(i)all non-emergency vehicle use;

(ii)idling engines;

(iii)gasoline pump throughput;

(iv)road resurfacing and paving of any kind;

(v)incineration, including the main Sewage Treatment Plant and all hospital incinerators;

(vi)use of Lakeview generating station;

(vii)use of gas powered two-stroke equipment (mowing, trimming, leaf blowing etc.);

(viii)pesticide spraying;

(ix)air conditioning (turn off or reduce, both in buildings and in cars) as well as other appliances and equipment;

(xi)lights and computers;

(xii)requirement for formal office attire;

(xiii)use of oil-based paints, cleaners, and solvents, including solvent based personal care products such as hair spray, nail polish and remover; and

(xiv)barbequing.

Activities to support the smog response plan should include:

(a)a comprehensive Smog Alert Response communications procedure.

(b) special care for the especially vulnerable, including:

(i)mechanisms to care for the home bound and other elderly or disabled clients;

(ii)activities and information to reduce the effects of smog on children through Day Care Centres, Day Camps, and Summer Schools, and through school curricula;

(iii)policies and legislation which provide opportunities for people with respiratory problems to stay home or to be provided with oxygen, and for outside workers to reduce workloads on smog days; and

(iv)information for those who are physically active outdoors.

(c)A mandatory Smog Alert Response Plan by all employers, to include:

(i)information and education to employees;

(ii)financial and other assistance for employees, including provision of alternative transportation options, compensation for workers displaced on smog days, and care for the especially vulnerable; and

(iii)curtailment of motorized fleets, energy use, industrial emissions, and other smog-producing activities.

(B)Smog Prevention and Reduction Program:

That the City of Toronto initiate and implement, with partners, a comprehensive smog prevention program. The following is a list of policies and strategies that can be used to build such a program. The Expanded Anti-Smog Working Group will make recommendations on the implementation of the appropriate combination of actions required to achieve the targets.:

(i)Transportation and Land Use:

(a)Provide Enhanced Human Powered Transportation Options: Significantly increase provision of and investment in pedestrian, cycling, blading, and other human powered* transport options and infrastructure, including sidewalks, on-street and off-road bike lanes, destination point facilities such as bike parking, showers, and repair stations, as well as programs to increase safety, and programs that promote and integrate walking and bicycle transportation options*. (City report "Bicycle City 2001"*)

(b)Provide Enhanced Transit Options: Significantly expand provision of and investment in transit, rail, mixed mode*, and other public transit options and infrastructure.

(c)Land Use and Other Policy Incentives: Support and adopt pedestrian, bicycle, and transit supportive land use policies and practices aimed at decreasing the amount of land dedicated to automobile transportation from the current 40 percent+, and at promoting denser, mixed use* communities, including mixed-use zoning*, traffic calming initiatives, car-free zones. Minimize car use through amended parking policies (availability, pricing), speed reduction policies, and traffic demand management requirements.

(d)Parking: Adopt parking policies and practices which stimulate car use reduction: eliminate requirements for paved parking spaces at residences or for added second units; reduce the number of parking spaces required for low-rise apartment or rooming houses; increase permit fees for a second car in each family; require one tree planted for every parking space; restrict front yard parking; encourage paid employee parking or reduction of employee parking; reduce the amount of land given over to parking.

(e)Provide Car Pooling and Car Sharing Options: Support and invest in car pooling and car sharing policies and initiatives, including High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and computerized trip reduction scheduling systems, where transit is not available.

(f)Provide Alternative Work Options: Support and invest in alternative work options such as telecommuting, video conferencing, flextime, four day work weeks, and flexible dress code.

(g)Provide Alternative Movement of Goods and Services: Support and invest in the development of alternative distribution and freight options, including human powered delivery and distribution mechanisms such as work bikes, bike trailers and couriers; night deliveries and other route optimization mechanisms; and electronic means of moving information and services.

(h)Provide Green Tourism* Options: Provide and invest in transit and non-motorized transportation links and information for tourists.

(i)Green Fleets and Employee Trip Reduction: Support and invest in the greening of all Toronto fleets using City of Toronto practices and recent "Catching Your Breath" Corporate policies as a starting point. All employers would submit a corporate green fleets plan, in partnership with the Green Fleets Partnership, as well as an employee trip reduction plan.

(j)Emissions Controls: Provide legislation and/or increased enforcement of: mandatory vehicle emissions testing; regulations that prohibit tampering with emission control devices; diesel truck maintenance; use of reformulated "summer fuels" during the non-winter months for all gasoline powered vehicles; research on and regulations regarding emissions from public air exhibitions and automobile races; a mandatory vapour recovery program; and where effective, research, development, and application of alternative fuels and alternative vehicles*.

(k)Financial Incentives: Provide financial and tax incentives to decrease car use and adopt other modes, including: making transit and bike repair tax deductible; providing tax incentives for not owning a car; providing property tax incentives for locating in denser, mixed use locations; adopting purchasing and leasing policies that encourage purchase of cleaner fuels, vehicles, and systems; extension of the eight-cylinder vehicle tax* to sport utility vehicles; providing loans and assistance programs for small businesses and individuals to initiate modal shift; providing a "cash for clunkers" program; providing employee incentives and benefits (cash, lieu time, transit pass subsidies, guaranteed rides home) for not using a car; reviewing tax policies related to benefits and depreciation rates of company cars; and providing savings and discounts to "green tourists" who choose other modes.

In addition, channel revenues from the following into smog reducing activities and programs: permit parking; parking meter revenues; increased parking fees; gasoline surcharges; automobile registration fees; ownership levies; polluter fines; voluntary contributions of a percentage of corporate sales or profits; highway and other tolls and road pricing; and mandatory vehicle emissions testing.

(ii)Energy Use Reduction

(a)Invest in, develop, and apply energy management systems for industrial infrastructure. Support cleaner energy systems and conservation initiatives such as district heating and cooling (including deep lake water cooling*), cogeneration, renewable energy sources, and more efficient industrial processes. Continue to invest in the Better Buildings Partnership, a program for retrofits* of public sector, private sector, and non-profit buildings, currently managed by the Energy Efficiency Office. Expand the partnership to include retrofitting of residential buildings.

(b)Reduce residential energy and hot water consumption in the following ways:

(i)provide and promote home energy assessments by investing in and expanding on current Greensaver^* and local government initiatives;

(ii)provide a comprehensive home energy practices assistance program;

(iii)provide the ability to finance residential energy retrofits* paid back through utility bills; and

(iv)support, promote, and invest in research, development, and application of new and innovative energy options such as residential solar energy projects and support net billing structures and other mechanisms to facilitate financing.

(c)Adopt and/or support legislation and incentives that encourage energy savings and reduce the "Urban Heat Island Effect*" including:

(i)increase energy efficiency standards currently required in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan for new construction to offset deficiencies in the Ontario Building Code;

(ii)assess and restrict demolition of buildings and especially surrounding trees in keeping with energy conservation goals;

(iii)advocate energy efficient buildings through a labelling program, which rates buildings according to level of energy efficiency/conservation for use at resale*;

(iv)increase the balance of light toned buildings and white rooftops with darker ones through the Building Code, as well as lighter pavements, strategic tree planting and replacement requirements, and prohibition of tree removal, to reduce the "Urban Heat Island Effect*" during the summer, and to conserve heat during the winter;

(v)legislate and provide incentives for developers to create compact mixed use communities to reduce energy use;

(vi)legislate "turn off" or "turn down" in office towers at night (lights, computers, and air conditioners) and reduction during the day;

(vii)provide incentives/legislation encouraging a shift from gas or electric to push mowers; and

(viii)phase in a ban of two-stroke motors* in conjunction with financial incentives such as rebates, and schedule to accelerate replacement of old equipment with low emission equipment.

(d)Shift Toronto to cleaner energy demand and use. Advocate that the percentage of Toronto's energy drawn from renewable sources be increased to 25 percent, and that generation from nuclear and fossil fuels be reduced by 50 percent to be carried out in the following ways:

(i)reduction of demand through conservation;

(ii)purchase and use of alternative sources; and

(iii)reduction and phase down of current fossil fuel sources, including request that Lakeview Generating Station not increase its annual supply to Toronto over 1996 figures, and that in tandem with increased conservation commitments and purchase of alternative sources, Lakeview be considered for phase-down over the next decade.

(iii)Greening:

(a)Phase out cosmetic* use of pesticides over a two year period. In the meantime, restrict spraying to specific hours, avoiding times when children are outside - before and after school hours, weekends, public holidays, July, and August. Research and invest in environmentally sensitive methods of control.

(b)Reduce the "Urban Heat Island Effect*" through investment in initiatives such as urban agriculture, rooftop gardening, and strategic tree planting such as shade trees in car parking lots, on streets, and surrounding buildings. Initiate new smog-specific greening on road right of ways, cycling and pedestrian corridors, parks and other public land, private property (homes and businesses) and rail corridors.

(c)Increase the percentage of land given to green space, by strengthening and investing in existing greening programs and activities, including river and marsh restoration, parking lots into parks initiatives and green tourism initiatives*.

(d)Legislate and facilitate home, commercial and community greening initiatives through by-laws, policies and targets to increase green space, in tandem with financial incentives and assistance for greening activities, for example mandatory tree replacement policies, relaxing parking space requirements in favour of greening activities, and provision of rebates, discounts, and tax breaks related to greening initiatives.

(iv)Industrial/Commercial Source Reduction

(a)Legislate and negotiate stricter pollution controls and prohibitions, locally and internationally, including biomedical waste incineration, sewage sludge incineration, use of oil based paints and other toxic solvents by individuals, businesses (in particular auto body shops) and other institutions, production and disposal of plastics, and emission of Perc* by dry cleaners.

(b)Require and facilitate replacement of polluting industrial systems with cleaner technologies and systems, for example cogeneration systems, alternative dry cleaning systems, wild reed beds* living machine technology*, and low VOCs* solvents and paints. Include technical and financial assistance programs (in particular for small businesses) for decreasing toxic chemical use and discharges. Invest in research and development of cleaner systems.

(c)Legislate and facilitate public awareness of industrial and commercial pollution and solutions, including: making emission levels and monitoring results for Ontario industrial stationary sources available to the public; publishing names and locations of all companies emitting hazardous substances, along with complete lists of the contaminants emitted; publishing names of companies engaged in greening, upgrading, or replacement of polluting systems; initiating industrial partnerships to facilitate and finance new options; providing for increased public consultation when Certificates of Approval* are being considered for new industrial sources.

(v)Research

Monitor, and where necessary initiate and / or participate in research on:

(i)the health impacts of particulates, with the aim of developing a target for particulates reduction;

(ii)the social, economic, and health impacts of smog;

(iii)the relative impact of smog levels in different parts of Toronto;

(iv)the relative impact of policies, programs, and other initiatives on smog in Toronto;

(v)financial incentives required to promote positive behaviour;

(vi)less polluting freight and distribution systems for commerce in the Greater Toronto Area;

(vii)new and improved technologies to assist with smog reduction;

(viii)travel patterns in the GTA;

(ix)methodologies to improve the prediction of smog;

(x)cleaner fuels, vehicles, and systems; and

(xi)cross-border production and reduction of smog sources.

(C)Public Education and Communication

That the City of Toronto initiate and implement, in partnership, a two-part comprehensive education and awareness program as follows:

(a)Part One: Smog Alert Notification Procedure, including:

(i)smog alert notification 12-18 hours prior to a predicted smog episode, directed, in all key languages, to the public, large employers, point source emitters*, transit providers, schools and boards of education, hospitals, media, and other relevant groups. This notification should also include a list of activities to be suspended or curtailed; and

(ii)an ongoing smog outreach program in all key languages providing information on recognizing the potential health effects of smog, activities to avoid for health reasons, and on actions that reduce smog. Channels should include: a smog alert hotline and telephone outreach program; pre-season household door-to-door bulletins; mainstream and community media and Public Service Announcements; videos; community outreach and public events; and corporate and community partners' channels. The program should be launched at the beginning of the smog season to give advance warning of what to expect and how to prepare.

(b)Part Two: Ongoing Education and Awareness Program, including education which would occur regularly and in all key languages, with particular emphasis during the smog season. Information should encourage ongoing action to help prevent and reduce smog, including:

(i)what smog is, its costs and harmful effects and how to prepare for smog days; everyday actions to reduce smog; exemplary practices from Toronto and elsewhere; targeted communications to polluters and businesses being requested or required to curtail certain activities; what the City and other partners are doing to reduce smog; where to get information and resources on smog and anti-smog actions.

Communication Channels Include: community and mainstream media, and public service announcements; distribution of public notices and materials (door to door, pay and cheque stubs etc); electronic communication mechanisms (Internet); schools and other academic institutions, workplaces, places of worship, community centres, environmental groups and resource centres; special events; educational curriculum at all levels and incorporation into existing professional and other training channels; targeted (and/or mandatory) communication, education, and training for polluters.

(D) Commitment:

That the City of Toronto lead in the commitment to anti-smog action in partnership with major employers, businesses, other levels of government, community groups and individuals, as well as with relevant international agencies in the following ways:

(a)Commitment to Developing and Implementing Anti-Smog Plans: Accelerate the development and implementation of municipal, provincial, federal, corporate, and community anti-smog action plans.

(b)Commitment of Financial Resources: Commit financial resources to the implementation of actions recommended in these plans, to be derived from the following sources:

(i)creation of stable, ongoing clean air funds as a percentage of public (government) energy, transportation environment budgets; as a percentage of corporate sales; and as a commitment to anti-smog efforts by major funding agencies;

(ii)channeling of revenues generated from savings derived from anti-smog actions into further anti-smog actions, for example, dedicating energy savings to employee benefits such as subsidizing transit passes or providing workplace bicycle and walking facilities;

(iii)channelling revenues derived from redirecting subsidies to the automobile into anti-smog actions (leveling the playing field);

(iv)channelling of revenues generated from polluting activities into anti-smog actions, for example channelling parking revenues or polluter fines into providing transit options and green space; or channelling personal savings from shifting modes into a home energy retrofit, or into buying a new bicycle; and

(v)contribution of services and goods in-kind through partnership and co-operative anti-smog efforts.

(c)Commitment of Human Resources: Commit human resources to the development and co-ordination of anti-smog efforts, including paid staff, volunteers, and citizen committees. Support these commitments with adequate financial, administrative, and information resources.

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The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee also submits the following report (June1,1999) from Councillor Jack Layton, Don River, Ward 25:

That the following recommendations be adopted in addition to the Chief Administrative Officer's report:

(1)that the City immediately institute enforcement of the Anti-Idling Bylaw using a Part 3 Summons technique and that this enforcement be intensified during Smog Days;

(2)that the City Solicitor report directly to Council on June 9, 1999, on the status of the application for the "set fine" for the Anti Idling Bylaw which was approved unanimously by City Council early last year;

(3)that staff initiate car pooling at all of the former City Hall locations for Summer 1999, in consultation with the Toronto Environmental Alliance which has experience in helping many large institutions develop and instigate car pooling plans;

(4)that staff be directed to immediately implement an employee parking policy for City Hall and all other work locations so that free commuting spaces become pay for parking, unless free parking is required because of a disability, contractural obligations, or an occupational health and safety concern; and that the Parking Authority of Toronto be responsible for the administration of the City Hall commuter spaces and a system be developed for other sites;

(5)that existing City of Toronto materials that have been developed by Toronto Public Health on how children, the elderly and people with lung and heart conditions can deal with smog days be distributed to the public, possibly via doctors offices in conjunction with the Ontario Medical Association; and that the Chief Administrative Officer and Budget Committee report directly to Council on the funds required to and the source of the funds;

Background:

Recommendation No. (1):

In September 1998, City Council passed an Anti-Idling Bylaw. Recommendation No. 1 calls on the enforcement of this bylaw to be stepped up during Smog Days.

Recommendation No. (2):

This calls on the City Solicitor to report on what the status of the application for a "set fine" usually made to the Attorney General of Ontario to allow bylaw infractions to be paid in a manner similar to parking fines.

Recommendation No. (3):

Over 10 large institutions such as IBM, Sprint Canada, Toronto Hydro and Ontario have instigated employee car pool programs, with the help of the TEA. TEA is willing to help the City establish employee car pool programs this summer at former city halls.

Recommendation No. (4):

As part of the Smog Reduction Program passed by City Council on May 13 and 14, Recommendation No. (17) called for the Chief Administrative Officer to write a status report and an implementation plan to City Council by June 1998 on the following:

"A comprehensive auto trip reduction program be developed and implemented with the following first steps:

(a)effective December 31, 1997, revise the employee parking policy for City Hall and all other work locations so that free commuting spaces become pay for parking, unless free parking is required because of a disability, contractual obligations, or an occupational health and safety concern; and that the Parking Authority of Toronto be responsible for the administration of the City Hall commuter spaces and a system be developed for other sites;

Recommendation No. (4) calls on City Staff to implement a policy already passed by City Council.

Recommendation No. (5):

Toronto Public Health has produced excellent fact sheets on what children, the elderly and people with lung and heart conditions can do on smog alert days. In the right hands, this information can save lives this summer. To ensure it gets to the right hands, the City can work with the Ontario Medical Association and distribute the fact sheets to as many doctors offices in the City of Toronto as possible.

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee also submits the following report (May31,1999) from Councillor Jack Layton, Don River, Ward 25:

On May 28, 1999, the Advisory Committee on Homeless and Socially Isolated Persons adopted the following motion and asks that the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee consider it as part of the discussions on Item No. 3, "Smog Prevention and Reduction: Status Report and Work Plan" on the June 1, 1999 agenda.

It is recommended that Toronto Public Health develop and implement a comprehensive, season-long hot weather and air quality strategy. Further, that the target population include those at risk such as seniors, homeless, underhoused, inner city poor, persons with chronic illness and persons using psychotropic medications that increase sensitivity to sunburn. The strategy should include the following:

(a)access to basic resources such as water, sun screen and hats;

(b)access to public facilities where individuals can seek cool shelter;

(c)a "no movement" policy for public parks and shaded areas;

(d)information on location of cool shelters and other available resources through existing networks; and

(e)fact sheets that would include information on health conditions that can be exacerbated by heat.

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The following persons appeared before the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Mr. John Wellner, Toronto Environmental Alliance, and filed a series of articles appearing in the Toronto Star in regard thereto; and

-Councillor Jack Layton, Don River.