Rating: NNNNN
Proposal: ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
Fate: Withered.
What went wrong?
Adopted by council in spring 2000, the city’s comprehensive sustainability plan has only received a pittance — about $700,000 in this year’s budget. It will take millions to implement the recommendations for a “clean, green and healthy” city.
Proposal: WINDMILLS
Fate: We’re still waiting.
What went wrong?
Toronto Hydro is supposed to be partnering with the Toronto Regenerable Energy Co-operative to promote power-generating windmills around the city. But while city council approved the scheme in theory, a windmill slated for Ashbridges Bay has been caught in a bureaucratic tangle with senior levels of government.
Proposal: BIKE LANES
Fate: Not so happy trails.
What went wrong?
The Toronto Atmopheric Fund paid for a study to develop an integrated network of cycling trails along hydro and rail corridors. But so far, council has dithered on implementing 180 kilometres of new trails.
Proposal GREEN POWER
Fate: Unlikely any time soon.
What went wrong?
The city committed to purchasing 25 per cent of its electricity needs from green power by 2005. It’s in negotiations with Toronto Hydro to purchase green power once electricity markets are opened by the province. Whether the city can meet its goal depends on availability once the market opens next year.
Proposal GREEN FLEETS
Fate: Stalled.
What went wrong?
There was a city committee looking into the feasibility of increasing the use of ultra-low-energy city vehicles to help reduce emissions 50 per cent by 2005. Staff changes and lack of money appear to have stalled the initiative. The city’s latest pitch is to buy an additional natural gas vehicle for every four purchased or leased by a city department.
Proposal CITY EMPLOYEE TRIP REDUCTION PROGRAM
Fate: Stranded.
What went wrong?Back in winter 1997, council came up with the novel idea of having city employees pay for their parking spaces, thus encouraging them to bike or ride the rocket. It never happened. It took two years just to complete a survey of employee commuting patterns. The city, however, has started a car-pooling service on its intranet. Whoopee!
Proposal:DEEP LAKE WATER COOLING
Fate: Murky.
What went wrong?
This process involves using lake water for air conditioning in city buildings. It uses less energy and emits less greenhouse gases than conventional air conditioning. Enwave (formerly the Toronto District Heating Corporation) is supposed to report back to council next month with a plan. Yeah, right.
