News

Ford government moves to override cities on green building standards

6/2025 - CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER - “Municipalities have a legislated responsibility to protect public health and environmental wellbeing,” said Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs. “Restricting their ability to exercise those duties will not protect Ontario or build housing faster. ”

TAF Newsletter: May 2025

5/2025 - This edition includes our reaction to Bill 17, an opportunity to incentivize home solar, and lessons from Quebec on EV readiness in multi-family buildings. Are you headed to Canada’s biggest retrofit event? Get your invite!

Ontario Legislation Could Override Local Green Standards, Stall Climate Progress

5/2025 - THE ENERGY MIX - Could Bill 17 set back green building in the province, and undermine city-led climate policies? Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs, comments.

Ontario needs a green workforce to power shift from natural gas

5/2025 - THE POINTER - Aakash Harpalani, Director of Clean Energy, points to energy efficiency, demand flexibility, rooftop solar and battery, plus more, to help Ontario reduce its reliance on natural gas.

Hour 3: Are municipal climate plans under threat by Ontario’s new housing bill

5/2025 - MOORE IN THE MORNING - Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs, discusses the benefits of municipal green standards and how to streamline housing development in the province.

New housing construction is shown in Markham in this October file photo. Chris Young/The Canadian Press file photo

Ford government move could see environmental home requirements sacrificed in the name of building faster, cheaper

5/2025 - TORONTO STAR - Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs, comments on Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, and its potential long-term impacts on affordability, noting that Toronto has exceeded housing targets alongside green standards.

TAF statement on the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act

5/2025 - Read TAF's statement on Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, which risks limiting green standards.

A smarter approach to EV upgrades in buildings: What Quebec’s draft regulation gets right

5/2025 - Quebec is implementing a comprehensive strategy to upgrade multi-unit buildings to be EV-ready. Understand the incentives and how Ontario can support building owners and tenants to access EV charging at home.

Making rooftop solar work for Ontarians: strengthening the Home Renovation Savings program

5/2025 - Laura McCloskey, Climate Policy Coordinator, explains why allowing net-metering for all rebated solar programs can maximize the potential and impact of Ontario's new Home Renovation Savings Program.

Canada sprints past the U.S. on appliance efficiency

5/2025 - Samia Anwer, Climate Policy Analyst, discusses the latest amendment to the Energy Efficiency Act and why raising the bar on efficiency standards for everyday appliances is one of the most impactful policy tools to-date.

Retrofit Services Manager, Kaitlin Carroll discusses an upcoming heat pump installation with Toronto Community Housing residents. Photo by Nhan Ng Productions

VIEWPOINT: Extreme heat bylaws: Perspectives from a building retrofit manager

4/2025 - SABMAG - Sustainable Architecture and Building Magazine featured our recommendations on extreme heat bylaws in its Spring issue.

TAF Newsletter: April 2025

4/2025 - This edition includes our divestment from a major bank, a financial planning tool for condo retrofits, the red tape blocking climate action, and more.