Item - 2017.PG21.12

The Planning and Growth Management Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council approve Eco-Roof Incentive Program funding for a green roof at 2 Fraser Avenue of 1,708 square metres, in an amount up to $70,800 above the pre‑approved funding of $100,000.

Green roofs and cool roofs – known collectively as 'eco-roofs' – help make Toronto more resilient and better adapted to climate change. Eco-roofs reduce urban heat and its associated energy use. Green roofs also help manage storm water runoff, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and beautify our city.

In 2008, Toronto established the Eco-Roof Incentive Program, which encourages the installation of eco-roofs on existing buildings and some new buildings. In 2013, the program became completely self-sustaining drawing its funding from cash-in-lieu payments under the Green Roof Bylaw.

In December 2016, a new reporting requirement was adopted by City Council, stating that a staff report be submitted with a recommendation to the Planning and Growth Management Committee and City Council for applications for project funding greater than $50,000 for cool roofs and $100,000 for green roofs.

This report responds to this new reporting requirement for a green roof project greater than $100,000 at 2 Fraser Avenue. Program staff have reviewed the application and have determined that the proposed green roof meets program eligibility criteria, and therefore recommended for funding support from the Eco-Roof Incentive Program.

Funding in the amount of $100,000 has been pre-approved based on the authority delegated to staff when the Eco-Roof Incentive Program was adopted in 2008 (Part 3 of Council Decision PG20.8). City staff recommend Council authorize staff to approve funding up to the full size of the proposed green roof, which would be an additional $70,800 for a total of $170,800, based on the current green roof incentive of $100 per square metre (m²) and the proposed green roof size of 1,708 m².