Item - 2012.PG12.12

This report recommends an amendment to the Toronto Green Roof Bylaw to permit new public and separate school buildings and building additions to provide an alternative roof surface that achieves a similar performance level to a green roof. An alternative option is proposed that would require new public and separate school buildings and building additions to install cool roofing material for 100 percent of the available roof space and adhere to a storm water management performance target. This alternative option is the same as the alternative option approved for industrial buildings in November 2011.

For school applications where an exemption or variance under the Bylaw has been approved and cash-in-lieu of a green roof has been paid, this report recommends that a refund be granted if the roof complies with the new alternative approach requirements.

The report also provides a status update on the revisions to the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard and responds to Council's request for information on mechanisms to fund rooftop planting beds.

The Chief Building Official, Executive Director, Toronto Building and the Director, Toronto Environment Office were consulted in the preparation of this report.