The City of Toronto is inviting residents to celebrate Earth Day virtually this year as Toronto remains in the Shutdown Zone of the Province’s COVID-19 response framework and is under the provincial Stay-at-Home order.
In his Earth Day video message to Torontonians, Mayor John Tory thanks residents for the actions they take every day to green their lives. He also talks about what the City is doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address the climate emergency and advance TransformTO, Toronto’s Climate Action Strategy to make our city a healthier, more equitable and prosperous place. The video is available online at https://youtu.be/ZdtletQiPKc.
This evening at 7 p.m., the City’s Women4Climate Mentorship Programme will host a virtual Earth Day celebration and recognize the next generation of climate leaders in Toronto. Event host Candace Batista, National Eco Expert for the Marilyn Denis Show, will be joined by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment and Committee and the City’s Chief Financial Officer Heather Taylor, to discuss women’s climate leadership and announce the winner of the City’s final pitch competition. Launched in 2020, Toronto’s inaugural Women4Climate Programme offered mentoring and training to 12 women to help them bring their climate action idea, project or startup to life. The event is free and residents can register to attend at www.eventbrite.ca/e/women4climate-earth-day-celebration-tickets-150647997215
Today, the City also announced the latest recipients of its PollinateTO Community Grants. The grants provide up to $5,000 per project for community-led initiatives to create or expand pollinator habitats in Toronto. A total of 33 projects will receive funding, including 12 located in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. The grants are a component of Toronto’s Pollinator Protection Strategy, adopted by City Council in 2018. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/environmental-grants-incentives/pollinateto-community-grants/.
Quotes:
“The City is developing innovative solutions to tackle climate change. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and of course we’ve still got a long way to go. That’s why we’re committed to Toronto’s climate action strategy – TransformTO. The strategy will see Toronto become a carbon neutral city and a healthier, more equitable and prosperous city as we take action to reduce carbon pollution. I thank all Toronto residents for the action they take every day to green their lives and our beautiful city.”
– Mayor John Tory
“In order for the City of Toronto to achieve its ambitious climate goals and lead a green recovery, we need to welcome ideas from all perspectives and backgrounds. This Earth Day, I am proud to highlight the fantastic work of the women that make up Toronto’s inaugural cohort of C40’s Women4Climate Programme. Their growth and achievements are inspiring and will help pave the way for other female climate leaders.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the City’s Infrastructure and Environment and Committee
“As the City’s inaugural Women4Climate Mentorship Programme draws to a close, it’s promising to see that the enormous talent here in Toronto has taken a place at the table to share their innovative thinking. I encourage Torontonians to join us tonight to celebrate Earth Day and to hear about our approach to shaping how we will tackle climate change for the benefit of generations to come.”
– Heather Taylor, Toronto’s Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.