Raise the Hammer
Toronto now has the most comprehensive environmental building regulations in North America after Council overwhelmingly passed new rules mandating green roofs on all new high-rise buildings starting in 2010.
The vote comes after a municipal green roof study found significant benefits including reduced stormwater runoff on the sewer system, lower heating and cooling costs, reduced heat island effect, and improved air quality, in addition to a more beautiful city.
Developers complain that the new rules will make buildings more expensive, and green roof activists complain that the law does not also apply to low-rise buildings, but deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone (Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina) told Council, "You will see other municipalities now looking to Toronto and emulating us for the greater good of humanity."
(Among the two holdouts was Etobicoke Councillor Rob Ford.)
By Chris (registered) | Posted June 01, 2009 at 15:56:30
If only this could happen in Hamilton.... Hopefully we follow suit sometime in the near future for anything over 3 or 4 floors.
By Hopeful (registered) | Posted June 02, 2009 at 13:41:23
Imagine the view from the escarpment if Hamilton did this with all of its flat roofs. It could be like looking down on parkland all the way to the lake.
I believe that some European cities have said "if the roof is flat, make it green." How about here?
By Capitalist (anonymous) | Posted June 03, 2009 at 14:43:41
More idiocy from the idiotic Toronto City Council. The same people who complain that housing is not "affordable" are implementing policies that drive up the cost of housing. Builders will pass this cost onto buyers and tenants. Now you know why the NDP only gets elected in ridings where people are either 1. stupid 2. poor 3. work for government.
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