The mandate for the Sustainability Roundtable was transferred from the Environmental Task Force and then transferred to the Roundtable on the Environment. The following material is provided for archival purposes.
Advancing sustainability at the local level requires a great deal of commitment and planning. Toronto City Council has approved a Strategic Plan which supports the underlying principles and strategies for achieving sustainability – which it describes as "integrating environmental, social, economic and fiscal perspectives in our actions."
The Strategic Plan incorporated many fundamental elements of sustainability including good governance, civic participation, equity, and social, environmental and economic vitality.
The Plan contains four critical vision statements:
- Toronto is a caring and friendly city.
We have opportunities to sustain and enrich our lives and reach our highest potential. Our diversity is valued and celebrated and our communities are a source of pride. We are actively involved in the social, cultural and political life of the city.
- Toronto is a clean, green and sustainable city.
We integrate environmental stewardship into our daily activities. We maintain and improve the health of the environment for present and future generations.
- Toronto is a dynamic city.
As the nation's leading economic engine, we are a centre of innovation and growth with a strong international presence. Our dynamic city is well positioned to succeed in the world economy.
- Toronto invests in quality of life.
We invest in quality of life – socially, economically, culturally and environmentally – to make Toronto a desirable place to live, prosper and visit.
Toronto's Environmental Plan and Background reports
The Environmental Taskforce (1998-2006) provided City Council with a Sustainability Goal, documented in the Environmental Plan: Clean, Green and Healthy. The goal stated that:
The City of Toronto's environment, community and economy should be healthy and vibrant and should meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
"The Sustainability Goal", Environmental Plan: Clean, Green and Healthy, City of Toronto, 2000.
Access information about the Environmental Taskforce, which completed its work in 2000, and the Environmental Plan.
