26 Groups Urge Toronto to Reject Province’s Energy Plan
A coalition of 26 environmental, health, legal, and community organizations in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) has called on Toronto City Council to oppose the new provincial energy plan. They warn it threatens the city’s climate goals and perpetuates fossil fuel dependency for decades.
Key Stakeholders Involved
- Environmental Defence
- Ontario Clean Air Alliance
- Toronto East Residents for Renewable Energy (TERRE)
- Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)
- Seniors for Climate Action Now! Toronto
Concerns About the Energy Plan
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) released its final Integrated Regional Resource Plan (IRRP) for Toronto on October 31, which has been described as a significant setback for the city’s ambitions to reach net-zero emissions.
"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."
Climate Commitments vs. Provincial Plan
Toronto City Council has dedicated itself to:
- Shutting down the Portlands Energy Centre by 2035
- Achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 through the TransformTO initiative
However, the IESO’s proposed strategy contradicts these goals, risking long-term reliance on fossil fuels and obstructing Toronto’s climate progress.
Indigenous Territories Acknowledgment
This statement recognizes that Toronto is situated on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.
Author’s summary: A unified front of local organizations urges Toronto to reject the latest provincial energy plan, emphasizing its conflict with the city’s net-zero commitments and potential to extend fossil fuel dependency.