Green City is a vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more connected community. We prioritize improved public transit, making it easier for everyone to move around the city while reducing gas emissions. By fostering sustainable practices and promoting environmental awareness, we aim to build a community that values both progress and preservation. Join us in our mission to create a greener, more vibrant Ward 15!

1. Tree Planting and Stewardship
• Description: A citywide initiative to increase urban greenery by planting trees in public spaces, streets, and parks. Residents and volunteers are encouraged to participate in tree planting events.
• Stewardship: Engage community members in the care of trees by offering training on tree maintenance, watering schedules, and monitoring tree health.
• Objective: Increase canopy cover, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality.
• 2. Gardening/Advocate for budget increase for community led initiatives.
• Description: Promote urban gardening through community gardens and private residential gardens. Encourage residents to plant native species, pollinator-friendly plants, and use sustainable gardening practices.
• Programs: Offer workshops on sustainable gardening, composting, and organic pest control.
• Objective: Foster community engagement in sustainability efforts and enhance local biodiversity.
• 3. Parks Maintenance and Local Involvement
• Assignment to Recreational Centers: Assign the nearest recreational center to manage the maintenance of local parks.
• Hiring Local Residents: Prioritize the hiring of locals for park maintenance roles. This includes seasonal positions such as snow removal, grass trimming, and waste management.
• Equipment Storage: All maintenance equipment, including snow removal machines, grass trimmers, and other landscaping tools, should be securely stored at the local community center for easy access and management.
• Objective: Ensure the parks are well-maintained year-round while supporting local employment.
• 4. Collaboration with Building Managers on Toronto Green Standards
• Description: Work closely with building managers to ensure they comply with the Toronto Green Standards. This includes regular audits, energy efficiency measures, and proper waste management practices.
• Key Focus: Ensure that green roofs, sustainable building materials, and eco-friendly heating/cooling systems are being used.
• Objective: Reduce the environmental footprint of buildings and improve the overall energy efficiency of the city.

• Energy-Efficient High-Rises: Encourage retrofitting of high-rise buildings with energy-efficient windows, green roofs, and smart energy management systems to reduce carbon footprints.
• Shared Renewable Energy: Install shared solar panels and energy systems on rooftops and communal spaces of high-rises, providing clean energy for tenants at a reduced cost.
• Green Transportation Hubs: Develop efficient public transit and bike-sharing systems at key points, making it easy for residents to move around the city without relying on cars.
• Vertical Community Gardens: Create rooftop gardens and balcony farming initiatives, allowing renters in high-rise buildings to participate in urban agriculture and grow their own food.
• Waste Reduction Programs: Set up community recycling and composting stations in high-rise buildings, encouraging residents to reduce waste and recycle effectively.
• Public Green Spaces: Maximize available space by converting rooftops, balconies, and shared terraces into green areas, fostering biodiversity and providing residents with access to nature.
• Water Efficiency in High-Density Living: Install water-saving fixtures in high-rise buildings and promote rainwater harvesting systems to conserve water, especially in common areas and green rooftops.
• Climate Resilience Infrastructure: Improve infrastructure in high-rise buildings to withstand extreme weather, such as heatwave-resistant cooling systems, flood protection measures, and energy backups.
• Eco-Education for Renters: Provide resources and workshops in community centers or online platforms to teach renters about sustainable living practices that work within their apartments.
• Green Business Incentives: Encourage eco-friendly businesses within the neighborhood, offering incentives for services like green cleaning, sustainable food delivery, and energy-efficient appliances for renters.
• Smart Shared Spaces: Design smart communal spaces, such as co-working hubs or shared green areas, which incorporate eco-friendly designs and technologies to reduce the environmental impact.
• Biodiversity in Dense Urban Areas: Develop urban biodiversity corridors and small parks in densely populated areas, ensuring that high-rise residents have access to greenery and wildlife.
• 5. Bike Lane Maintenance, Especially in Winter
• Winter Maintenance: Ensure that bike lanes remain accessible year-round by prioritizing snow removal, de-icing, and repairing any damage to the bike lanes.
• Equipment and Team: The same teams responsible for park maintenance could also maintain bike lanes during winter to ensure efficiency in operations.
• Objective: Encourage year-round cycling by ensuring bike lanes are safe and usable even during harsh weather.