News

Doug Ford’s new housing law leaves Toronto’s ‘green standard’ untouched — but will cost the city’s taxpayers plenty, says staff

6/2025 - TORONTO STAR - VP of Policy and Programs, Bryan Purcell, welcomes the City of Toronto's opinion that Bill 17 does not impact green standards, and warns about confusion and contradictory interpretations moving forward.

Bill 17 can’t stop the momentum for green buildings

6/2025 - The passing of Bill 17 is disappointing but there’s still an opportunity to shape what comes next.

How ready for heat pumps is Toronto Hydro?

6/2025 - A TAF interview with Toronto Hydro's Julia McNally, Director of Climate Action at Toronto Hydro, on how the utility is preparing for BEPS.

Ford government bulldozes green building standards with new legislation

6/2025 - CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER - Bill 17 severely undermine cities’ ability to regulate development, leading to higher emissions and less climate-resilient buildings, explains Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs.

Toronto’s green roofs under threat as Ford government pushes Bill 17

6/2025 - VILLAGE REPORT - Policy expert, Bryan Purcell, explains Bill 17 “deeply undercuts” the green standard and may also make the Green Roof Bylaw more difficult for the city to uphold.

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.