Why the Ford government's housing changes could doom a big part of Toronto's green plans
latest bid to jump-start housing construction
appears to threaten Toronto's 15-year-old 'green standard,' which limits the greenhouse gas emissions new buildings can emit and ensures those homes are resilient to flash flooding and other consequences of climate change.
Multi-pronged legislation announced Monday by Rob Flack, the minister of municipal affairs and housing, would prevent municipalities from adding any construction requirements that differ from the provincial building code, or ordering further studies in relation to new developments.
Barring any exceptions or changes, that would gut
'Toronto's Green Standard' requirements
for energy efficiency and environmental design —
the outcome sought by a lobby group for homebuilders in a court action launched against the city
late last year.
Killing the green standard would also likely doom
Toronto's plan to become carbon-neutral by 2040
because many of the actions, for which the city is already behind schedule, focus on buildings which produce more than half of the city's greenhouse gas emissions.
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario, which
endorsed Premier Doug Ford in February's provincial election
, has argued the city doesn't have jurisdiction to exceed Ontario's building code with extra requirements including emission maximums and wiring to service electric vehicles in low- and high-rise buildings.
In a statement, RESCON president Richard Lyall said Flack's announcement 'aligns with many of the priorities identified by RESCON over the past two years,' but did not mention the green standard. Council staff said Lyall was unavailable for comment and did not answer written questions, including whether RESCON will continue the legal challenge.
City of Toronto staff and Mayor Olivia Chow's office said Monday they could not comment until after closely studying the proposed law.
Losing the green standard would be a disaster for the environment and for Torontonians who buy homes, said Sarah Buchanan, campaigns director at the Toronto Environmental Alliance.
'It would weaken stormwater standards for building which make us safe from flooding, stop requiring that buildings can handle EVs, end rules to make sure condos have a place to separate recycling … and without it there's really no way that Toronto can fight climate change — more than half of emissions come from buildings,' Buchanan said.
People buying new homes wouldn't be told they are made to lower standards and over the years would pay more for heating and cooling and potentially flood damage, she said, adding that axing Toronto's more stringent rules would 'make more money for developers but stick homeowners with the bill.'
Toronto's 'green standard' was introduced in 2006 as voluntary, environmentally friendly building guidelines. Mandatory requirements were added in four updates between 2010 and 2022, along with financial incentives for builders who take extra steps, some of which eventually became compulsory.
Requirements include builders wiring all new residential parking spots, and one-quarter of new non-residential spots, for EV charging. The Ford government removed charging station provisions from the provincial building code in 2019.
The
province's news release
included statements of support for the proposed law from several Ontario mayors, including Burlington's Marianne Meed Ward, who chairs an association of Ontario big city mayors.
Meed Ward told the Star many initiatives in the legislation should get more housing built to alleviate the affordability crisis but that she was not briefed on the requirement that municipalities not impose requirements beyond the Ontario building code.
'What this means for Toronto, I don't know,' she said, adding that her city has the power to only advise, not compel, developers to adopt green standards. 'I guess encouraging or incentivizing environmental home construction is important to standardize — a patchwork of what is acceptable isn't good for the climate.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indianapolis Star
2 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
Indy council attorney tells members to stop talking with alleged sexual harassment victims
The Indianapolis City-County Council's attorney is advising its members to refrain from any further contact with Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert, whose claims of abuse by Mayor Joe Hogsett's former chief of staff led councilors to launch an investigation. An email sent to all 25 City-County Council members Aug. 20 from LeAnnette Pierce, general counsel for the Council, said "nothing positive will be gained by any additional engagement" with the women, even as the council says it is in the process of crafting reforms for how the city handles future harassment and abuse claims from employees. "In addition to Ms Roberts, I would discourage any further contact with Ms Ellert or any other individual who has lodged complaints or allegations against the council or the city," Pierce told the council members. "If they have new complaints about current or past city employees, please direct them to the city's anonymous complaint website." The email was in response to Democratic Councilor Dan Boots writing Pierce "seeking legal advice on behalf of the council" following an earlier email exchange with Roberts. "I believe we all should refrain from any further contact of Ms. Roberts or her attorney," Boots wrote. "Is that your legal advice?" "Absolutely," Pierce replied. Earlier in the day, Roberts had replied to an email from Boots in which he laid out that he'd been asked to lead a new effort to "develop clear, actionable recommendations to improve how inappropriate workplace behavior is best reported and handled within the City-County enterprise" and answer remaining questions about the investigation into former Hogsett aide Thomas Cook. Cook has previously apologized for what he described as "consensual relationships that violated a trust placed in me." Boots invited Roberts to engage in that process "in the hopes that you will share your insights and recommendations for reforming the enterprise's HR protocols." Roberts earlier this summer was forcibly removed from a City-County Council meeting by sheriff's deputies at the direction of Council President Vop Osili and has previously stated she wouldn't return to the City-County Building following that experience. More: Lauren Roberts delivers statement intended for Indianapolis City-County Council "I truly empathize with you over the ordeal you have been through," Boots wrote to Roberts. Roberts responded: "I do not consent to being further revictimized and retraumatized by your institution to help you do your jobs, especially after (Osili) had me assaulted by sheriff's deputies on June 9." She instead referred Boots to her past statements on the situation with Cook and the subsequent investigation. Roberts and Ellert, through their attorney, declined to comment on the email. Councilor Jesse Brown, an outspoken critic of Hogsett and Osili, wrote to fellow councilors Aug. 20 that the email "reads to me as though we are to understand the survivors whose experience led us to spend $450,000 in taxpayer money to be in a potentially adversarial relationship to this body." "I caution councilors to consider the political, optical, and moral implications of this strategy," Brown wrote. In the email, Brown expressed "deep concern and frustration with the way the last several months have been handled by the current council leadership," who have "circled the wagons to protect council leadership rather than survivors." "I think Counselor Pierce is a dedicated public servant and I see her comments as a reflection of President Osili's continued and unceasing attempts to protect Mayor Hogsett and impugn the reputations of Ms. Roberts and Ms. Ellert," Brown later told IndyStar in a text message. Osili did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent through the council's communications team. Neither did Boots or Pierce. While Roberts and Ellert have both moved out of state, several of the people who have recently alleged harassment or abuse by city leaders still reside in Indianapolis and are constituents of the council members. Pierce's email to councilors appears to acknowledge that. "If they approach you as a constituent about a constituent matter (pot holes, budget questions etc.), you should be cautiously responsive to the specific issue," she wrote. But Pierce said council members should contact her "if there is any question as to whether you should or should not engage." Previously, women who claimed harassment and abuse have said their dealings with the council and independent investigators were flawed. "I felt the same as when I first reported Thomas Cook's abuse: that this was a process slanted against me," Ellert wrote in June in a statement to councilors of the investigation into her harassment and assault claims. "Nevertheless, I participated in the investigation with the hope that it would promote accountability and help create a new and effective system of reporting." In a statement, Emma Davidson Tribbs of the National Women's Defense League, said survivors of harassment and abuse should be "treated with basic respect" by the Indianapolis City-County Council instead of being retraumatized. "The burden of credibility lies with those in power," Tribbs said in a statement to IndyStar. "It's time for the council to move beyond appearances, follow through on its promises, and demonstrate that survivor safety and justice are more than just talking points." Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ or follow her on X @hayleighcolombo. Contact city hall reporter Jordan Smith at jtsmith@ or follow him on X @jordantsmith09.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
It's fiscal 2026. Do you know where your tax dollars are? Probably not.
The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council called for more transparency in how state leaders and administrators track the outcomes of state-funded programs in a new report Wednesday. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) State spending in Rhode Island has surged. Public tracking of how state agencies and programs are using that money has not. And the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) is sounding the alarm as part of a new analysis of the state's fiscal 2026 budget published on Wednesday. The 49-page report by the business-backed research group reprises warnings of years past regarding unsustainable spending. This year's report features a sterner admonishment than usual over lack of transparency in how state administrators craft the budget, or monitor the results from multibillion-dollar spending. 'Despite a statutory requirement for agencies to include performance measures in their budget requests, the actual utilization of these measures in state budgeting decisions is unclear,' the report states. 'While [the Office of Management and Budget]'s Performance Management Unit is tasked with maintaining and updating these measures, much of their work is internally facing and public reporting on program effectiveness has been minimal. This limited public data makes it challenging for the public to evaluate how effectively tax dollars are being utilized for programs administered by state departments and agencies.' Derek Gomes, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Administration, which includes the state office, said in an emailed response that the budget office has worked to bolster agency performance reporting, which now includes 244 separate measures aligned with Gov. Dan McKee's long-term, RI 2030 state plan. Annual reports are published online, alongside quarterly updates, Gomes said. 'The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is committed to providing timely and accurate information about its roles in terms of developing the Governor's annual budget proposal and collecting performance metrics from state agencies,' Gomes said. 'OMB regularly posts information on state websites to include up-to-date agency budget instructions, quarterly budget reports, and agency performance data.' McKee's office did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment Wednesday. McKee let the spending plan take effect July 1 without his signature, an unprecedented move meant to symbolize his concerns with increased state taxes and fees. Legislative leaders continued to defend state spending in a joint statement Wednesday. 'We have a responsibility as elected leaders to invest in health care, education and housing for Rhode Islanders, especially as Republicans in Congress cut federal support for Medicaid and other programs to states,' House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson said. They are still reviewing RIPEC's comments about public transparency, Larry Berman, a spokesperson for Shekarchi's office, said via email. The $14.3 billion fiscal 2026 budget features a record $5.81 billion in state general revenue, up 3.8% over the fiscal 2025 budget even though the total bottom line is less. The state share of spending is 13.8% higher than fiscal 2019, even when accounting for inflation, according to RIPEC's analysis. Meanwhile, the fiscal 2026 budget imposed new or higher taxes and fees on gasoline, property sales, high-value second homes, and health insurance, cementing the need for more open information sharing on how the extra funds are being spent, said Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of RIPEC. 'The tax burden has been going up, and people are paying for these things,' DiBiase said in an interview Wednesday. 'It's time to reflect on what we are getting for that money.' As a former state administration director under then-Gov. Gina Raimondo, DiBiase is more familiar than most with the behind-the-scenes components of the state budget process. Each year, state agencies submit an initial funding request to state budget-crunchers. The memos span hundreds of pages, with details on how agencies spent the last year's money, and justification on requests for more. The submissions are reviewed internally and used to shape the governor's initial spending plan, typically released at the beginning of the calendar year. Lawmakers then update and revise the governor's proposal to finalize a spending plan ahead of the July 1 start date. Agency budget submissions are available by request, but not otherwise released publicly. And follow-up reporting is also kept behind closed doors. 'That's a choice,' DiBiase said. 'Politically, it's more difficult to expose some of these things and talk about things that are working and not working.' But difficult choices must be made, especially as state revenue growth slows and federal budget cuts curtail aid to key programs like Medicaid and food assistance. The tax burden has been going up, and people are paying for these things. It's time to reflect on what we are getting for that money. – Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council Rhode Island House fiscal advisory staff projected a $304.3 million deficit for the next fiscal year, swelling to $462.1 million. The forecast does not include any impact from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is expected to bring major changes to federal health and social services aid, as well as tax changes, over the next five years. How Rhode Island will fare amid forthcoming federal budget cuts remains under review by RIPEC and separately by a set of governmental advisory groups mandated to study and prepare for possible funding changes, reporting back to the Rhode Island General Assembly by Oct. 31. Among the biggest sources of concern for state lawmakers and budget analysts is how changes to federal Medicaid eligibility and funding will affect Rhode Island. The $4.9 billion in Medicaid funding included in Rhode Island's fiscal 2026 budget (from both federal and state sources) is more than one-third of the bottom line. Medicaid funding has steadily risen over the last eight years even though Rhode Islanders participation in the government-subsidized health care program fell, according to RIPEC's report. The $1.82 billion in state revenue directed toward Medicaid in fiscal 2026 is more than twice the 3.8% annual growth in state revenue. The spending includes extra money to increase reimbursement rates for primary care providers, nursing home workers, and hospitals in an attempt to lessen the gap between Rhode Island's low rates and the higher rates in neighboring states. Yet DiBiase questioned if more money was actually solving the problem, noting that commercial insurers have also proposed double-digit rate increases for next year. 'It just doesn't seem like the system is finding any relief,' DiBiase said. 'We're not really seeing, for the most part, where this money is going.' RIPEC's budget analysis also pointed to funding for K-12 education, despite fewer students, and on state employees (largely due to new bargaining agreements that include salary hikes and other benefits) as areas in need of more public financial reporting and reined-in spending. The report largely centered on what's wrong with state spending, and how to improve it. But RIPEC also offered praise to a pair of provisions tucked into the fiscal 2026 spending plan that will already make small strides in improving financial reporting. First, a change in the state Office of Internal Audit — in name and function — that expands the administrative power to subpoena and investigate potential fraud in state assistance programs, and recover misappropriated money. The fiscal 2026 budget offers $1.2 million extra money for two additional staffers to carry out the work of the rechristened Office of Internal Audit and Program Integrity. The current year's spending plan also provides a policy change to let the state Division of Taxation more effectively crack down on scofflaws with unpaid and overdue income and business taxes by putting levies on their assets. The access to out-of-state tax delinquents' bank accounts, coupled with the ability to put levies on their assets, is expected to bring in an extra $5.3 million in revenue this year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Akins Ford CDJR Unveils Extensive Research on the Highly Anticipated 2026 Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback
WINDER, Ga., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akins Ford CDJR, a premier Ford dealership near Atlanta, proudly announces the culmination of its comprehensive research into the groundbreaking 2026 Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback. This detailed analysis provides prospective buyers with an in-depth look at what promises to be a game-changer in the modern muscle car segment. Drivers can also explore this extensive research directly on the dealership's dedicated page. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback redefines expectations by blending turbocharged performance with cutting-edge technology and refined comfort. This specific model, moreover, features a high-output 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine, expertly engineered to produce an impressive 315 horsepower. Consequently, it offers powerful acceleration and remarkable efficiency, delivering a driving experience akin to a V8 but with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. Our in-depth research on the 2026 Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback highlights its numerous advancements. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service Delving deeper into the 2026 Mustang EcoBoost performance, drivers gain the ability to customize their driving experience through a variety of Selectable Drive Modes, including Normal, Sport, and Track. These modes meticulously adjust the steering, transmission, and stability control, ensuring an optimized ride for any condition. Additionally, an available Active Exhaust system allows for personalized exhaust tones, ranging from a subtle purr to a robust growl, truly making the vehicle an extension of the driver's preferences. The interior of the 2026 Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback is just as compelling as its exterior. It boasts a futuristic, magnesium-framed, curved glass display that integrates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Moreover, comfort is paramount with heated and cooled front seats, which are perfect for Georgia's varying seasons. The cabin also features aluminum foot pedals, contributing to a racing-inspired aesthetic while improving grip. On the exterior, Pony projection lamps illuminate the ground with the iconic Mustang logo, and heated exterior mirrors ensure clear visibility in adverse weather. Lastly, an aggressive blade decklid spoiler enhances aerodynamic style and improves high-speed stability, completing the coupe's performance-focused design. "We are incredibly excited about the 2026 Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback and believe our comprehensive research will serve as an invaluable resource for enthusiasts and potential owners alike," states Tanner Maloof, spokesperson for Akins Ford CDJR. "This vehicle truly embodies the spirit of innovation while respecting its legendary heritage. We encourage everyone to review our findings and contact us to learn more about its arrival." While the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback is not yet in stock, Akins Ford CDJR invites interested parties to contact the dealership directly for updates on availability. Our team is ready to provide additional details and help secure your opportunity to experience this exceptional vehicle. Media Contact: Tanner Maloof Phone number: 770-868-5162 Email: tmaloof@ Akins Ford is a leading automotive dealership located in Winder, Georgia. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and a wide selection of new and pre-owned Ford vehicles, Akins Ford has established itself as a trusted name in the automotive industry. Find out why Akins Ford is the leading Ford dealership in the greater Atlanta area and nationwide by visiting 220 West May Street, Winder, GA 30680, or by calling 770-867-9136. Find the dealership on the web at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Akins Ford Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
