Each candidate’s public commitments have been reviewed against TEA’s top platform priorities in our 3 key areas: climate action, climate resilience, and reducing waste. TEA’s 2023 mayoral election priorities can be found in full here.

 

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITMENTS

Have they committed to dedicated climate plan funding, to back up their climate action promises at budget time?

  • No dedicated funding source for climate action
  • Commits to “continue the city’s Net Zero Strategy to ensure Toronto does its part to combat climate change,” 
  • Commitment to keep taxes at/below inflation will mean increased funding to fully implement TransformTO Net Zero Strategy is unlikely

Have they committed to green building programs that also create affordable housing?

  • Prioritizes building more housing and accelerating existing Housing Now strategy, but no mention of prioritizing green/low-carbon building in this
  • Plan to “streamline” housing approvals could jeopardize Toronto’s existing Green Standard, removing current pathway to reducing emissions in new buildings

Have they committed to a transition away from fossil gas?

  • No mention

What commitments have they made to improving TTC service?

  • No mention of TTC service improvements - focuses on enforcement and policing
  • Proposes a King Streetcar Express Zone for duration of Ontario Line construction

How will they improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure?

  • Focus has been on reducing traffic and “unclogging gridlock” rather than pedestrians
  • “Toronto needs to include cycling infrastructure where it makes sense so everyone can move about the city safely”
CLIMATE RESILIENCE COMMITMENTS

Have they proposed plans to keep Torontonians safe through floods, heatwaves, and other climate change impacts?

  •  Proposes zero tolerance for encampments, which could jeopardize safety of residents during extreme weather events

How will they improve and maintain Toronto’s green spaces?

  • No mention

Will they make polluters pay for stormwater reduction and flood-proofing projects?

  • Promises to “support the city’s work to renew infrastructure to be more resilient and improve flood protection caused by the increase in severe weather events.”
  • Does not mention making polluters pay, stormwater charge, or changes to water billing
WASTE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY COMMITMENTS

How will they support waste reduction and eliminating unnecessary single-use items?

  • No mention
OTHER
  • Promises to move ahead with elevated portion of Gardiner
  • Opposes moving Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place

 

Sources:

Candidate website: https://www.votebradford.ca/priorities 

Toronto Star Survey