A coalition of 26 environmental, health, legal, and community groups from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) has called on Toronto City Council to oppose the province’s new energy plan. They warn it threatens the city’s climate targets and entrenches reliance on fossil fuels for decades.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) published its final Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP) for Toronto on October 31. The plan represents a significant setback for Toronto’s efforts to reach net-zero emissions.
Toronto City Council has set ambitious goals, including phasing out the Portlands Energy Centre by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 as part of the TransformTO initiative.
"Despite clear direction from Toronto City Council—which has committed to phasing out the Portlands Energy Centre by 2035 and achieving net-zero by 2040 under the TransformTO plan—the IESO’s proposal takes the city in the opposite direction."
This coalition acknowledges the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat.
Author’s summary: A diverse alliance urges Toronto to reject a provincial energy plan that conflicts with the city’s climate commitments and perpetuates fossil fuel dependency.