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Rahul GuptaTags:
city council (20), Denzil Minnan-Wong (2), Doug Holyday, Environment (12), green roofs (2), Joe Pantalone, Norm Kelly, Rob Ford (2), Sandra Bussin (4)Toronto became the first municipality in North America that requires new buildings to install green roofs.
A strong majority of councillors voted to implement the new bylaw as early as January 2010. From that point, new residential buildings that are six storeys or more must have rooftop greenery on at least 25 per cent of total roof space.
Proponents of green roofs say they reduce runoff from rainfall, improve building efficiency and lower city heating costs. Since 21 per cent of the city’s surface area is made up of roofs, deputy mayor Joe Pantalone believes the new law will make Toronto a world leader in green roof implementation.
?As we have shown in the past, Toronto leads by example,? he said.
The green roof law was first proposed as a part of the city?s green action plan in 2007 to ensure Toronto becomes a pioneer in green technology, something that the chair of the committee hopes will happen with the addition of green roofs to the city?s landscape.
But Ward 40 councillor Norm Kelly cautions the fight against climate change has only begun.
?The policy?s not perfect, but it?s a good starting point,? Kelly said.
Before the vote, Council Speaker Sandra Bussin denied Denzil Minnan-Wong?s request to add solar panels and white roofing to the approved technology list.
Bussin scolded the Ward 34 councillor for making an ?eleventh-hour? motion.
Minnan-Wong contended that his proposed amendment simply provides alternatives for residents and business owners, and was not meant to derail the bylaw.
While opposition of the bill was limited, it was not muted. Ward 3 councillor Doug Holyday loudly complained that the law was another example of the city overstepping its boundaries.
?Why do we have to be the first city in North America to do this?? he asked, provoking widespread derision from councillors.
In response to Holyday, Kelly replied, ?I?d rather be first than last.?
Holyday and Etobicoke North councillor Rob Ford were the only dissenters.