Item - 2018.PG25.3

The Planning and Growth Management Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council approve Eco-Roof Incentive Program funding for a green roof at 77  Glen Rush Boulevard of 1,073 square metres, in an amount up to $7,300 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 funding from cash-in-lieu payments through 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. At the same time, City Council amended the terms and conditions of the program to allow all new construction projects by organizations incorporated as not-for-profit corporations, to be made eligible for green roof incentives provided by the City regardless of size.

This report responds to the reporting requirement for a green roof project greater than $100,000 at a new building located at 77 Glen Rush Boulevard. A green roof is proposed on the new Caribou Torah Education Centre by the Caribou Torah Education Foundation, which is a not-for-profit corporation with registered charity status. Program staff have reviewed the application and have determined that the proposed green roof meets program eligibility criteria and therefore is recommended for funding.

This project is eligible for funding in the amount of $107,300, based on the proposed green roof size of 1,073 m2 and the green roof incentive of $100 per square metre (m2). Pre-approval of $100,000 has been provided with the authority delegated to staff when the Eco-Roof Incentive Program was adopted in 2008 (Part 3 of Council Decision PG20.8). This report seeks approval to provide additional funding in the amount of $7,300 for a total of $107,300 to support the full size of the proposed green roof.