Item - 2022.IE29.10

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council amend the Draft Terms of Reference in Attachment B to the report (April 8, 2022) from the Executive Director, Environment and Energy, under Membership, and delete the words "actively seek to" so that it reads:

"It is estimated that the CAG will have 15 - 20 Members, with the final number determined by the City based on interest and other factors. The CAG will be comprised of representatives of organizations and individuals. The CAG will include Members representing the sectors with the greatest emission-reduction in the coming years in order to meet Toronto's 2030 community-wide interim targets. Sectors can include buildings, energy, transportation, finance, and waste. The City will include representation from Indigenous communities, youth and equity-deserving groups such as the Black community"

2. City Council request the Executive Director, Environment and Energy Division, as part of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy Progress Reports identified in the Net Zero Accountability and Management Framework, to identify any funding enhancements, including funding from other levels of government, necessary to accelerate the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy to achieve upcoming community-wide greenhouse gas reduction targets.

This report presents an Accountability and Management Framework ("the Framework") to guide implementation of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy on climate, as requested by City Council. It outlines the creation of two advisory groups and management processes that will guide the City's accountable and inclusive implementation of the Net Zero Strategy. In addition, this report outlines the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy reporting schedule to Council and the ongoing approach to peer review.

Council adopted the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy in December, 2021 (IE26.16) with the aim of creating a future Toronto that is zero-carbon, equitable, healthy, prosperous and resilient. City Council set a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 2040 and ambitious interim targets for 2030.

Approximately five percent of greenhouse gas emissions emissions are the direct responsibility of, and under the direct control of, the City of Toronto government. To successfully address the other ninety-five per cent of emissions, all levels of government, the private sector, the non-profit sector and residents will together have to identify appropriate resources and mechanisms to achieve community-wide climate targets. A whole city approach is needed to reach net zero and our 2030 interim targets. Success in meeting climate-related targets will also require focusing on equity and social inclusion during design and implementation.

Council's recognition of these two elements, a whole city approach and an equity focus, have helped shape the Framework presented in this report. The Framework has also been shaped by public and stakeholder feedback in 2019 and 2021 that identified that an inclusive, external Climate Advisory Group is required to provide accountability and transparency, and to act as a catalyst for meaningful community-wide climate action.

This report also provides an update on progress exploring the opportunity for the City of Toronto to host a future United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties as directed by Council (MM37.7).