HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS 04-24Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: SUS 04-24 Date: March 4, 2024
From: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
Subject: Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards Implementation and Green
Roof By-law Updates -Council Resolutions #914/22 and #982/22-File: D-7001
Recommendations:
1.That Report SUS 04-24 regarding Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates be received for information; and,
2.That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: On September 20, 2022, Council adopted the Integrated Sustainable Design Standards (ISDS) and Checklist, as set out in Report PLN 38-22 (see Attachment 1,
Resolution #982/22). The ISDS established a new set of standards that allows the City to review development through a lens that includes modern, green best practices, and technology.
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the following:
1.overview of the first year of ISDS implementation (January 1, 2023 to present)2.actions completed, as outlined in Resolution #982/22 (PLN 38-22) which included:
a)City-initiated Official Plan Amendment to add new policies to the City’s Official Planb)zoning to support the ISDS performance measures outlined in the ISDS Checklistsc)identification of staff resources and cost recovery mechanisms necessary to implementand enforce the ISDS performance measuresd)monitor changes to the Ontario Building Code, industry standards, and changing market
conditions, including other legislation changese)review of non-financial incentives to support the implementation of the ISDS3.feasibility of a municipal green roof by-law as outlined in Resolution #914/22
This report also identifies next steps to continue implementation of the ISDS.
As outlined in this report, during the last twelve months, staff reviewed and commented on
planning applications in relation to the ISDS. Additionally, staff undertook the following actions:
•completed a City-initiated Official Plan Amendment (see Resolution #332/23, Attachment 2)
•conducted a best practice review of 'green' municipal zoning provisions that aligned with
ISDS
•established a cost recovery mechanism, to offset ISDS implementation
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 2
• participated in workshops with the development community, and received valuable insight
to help direct next steps regarding non-financial incentives
• prepared criteria for the Civic Award Panel to consider for a Green Builder award
• researched grant opportunities related to sustainable development through federal, provincial and utilities, and shared information on applicable programs with applicants
To help assess whether a green roof municipal by-law is appropriate, staff monitored new development applications for geographic location and building roof type over the last year. The majority of applications for high-rise residential buildings incorporated a green roof system, either on the podium or integrated into the top roof system. For non-residential buildings, the type of roof varied. Considering the existing positive uptake, as well as legislative changes to
the Ontario Building Code related to green roof construction, staff do not recommend establishing a Green Roof By-law at this time. Staff will continue to monitor building code implementation and new planning applications for green roof inclusion for an additional twelve months.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: This report aligns with the Pickering Strategic Plan Priorities of: Advance Innovation & Responsible Planning to Support a Connected, Well-Serviced Community; Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship,
Innovation & Resiliency; and Strengthen Existing & Build New Partnerships.
Financial Implications: Not applicable to this report.
Discussion:
1. Background
Council adopted the Integrated Sustainable Design Standards (ISDS) in September 2022,
replacing the 2007 Sustainable Development Guidelines. The ISDS established a new set of standards, enabling the City to review development in the context of modern, green best practices, and technology (see Resolution #982/22, Attachment 1). The ISDS is organized under the following seven key principles that showcase environmental, social, and economic sustainability:
1. Education: Educating homeowners about using and maintaining sustainable building features and sustainable lifestyle practices. 2. Energy & Resilience: Designing and constructing resilient, energy-efficient buildings, and encouraging on-site renewable energy systems. 3. Neighbourhood: Creating accessible and safe places to live for all.
4. Land Use & Nature: Protecting, conserving, and enhancing the natural environment. 5. Transportation: Providing opportunities for sustainable modes of transportation. 6. Waste Management: Providing opportunities to recycle and divert materials to reduce waste.
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 3
7. Water: Using water efficiently and supporting sustainable stormwater management practices.
The ISDS is primarily designed to be implemented through the Draft Plan of Subdivision
and Site Plan approval process. The ISDS mandatory Tier 1 performance measures do not apply to renovations and expansions of existing buildings within a previously approved Site Plan and Draft Plan area. The next section will provide an overview of the first year of implementation.
2. Progress on ISDS Implementation (January 1, 2023 to present)
Since January 1, 2023, the City Development Department has applied the ISDS Checklists into the application review process for the following developments: Low-Rise Residential (less than four storeys with a minimum of five dwelling units) and Mid to High-Rise Residential & Non-Residential (four storeys and above, including industrial,
commercial, and institutional developments). A complete planning application requires
the submission of a Sustainability Report and a completed ISDS Checklist. These documents are pivotal in evaluating proposed projects. Through the Sustainability Report, applicants provide an overview of the project’s sustainability measures, and how the commitments will be achieved. The ISDS Checklist is used to demonstrate the
project's adherence to performance measures.
After Council adopted the ISDS, several changes were enacted in the Planning Act, including the More Homes for Everyone Act (Bill 109), enforcing refund requirements for site plan applications if decisions take longer than 60 days. The More Homes, Built Faster Act (Bill 23) introduced modifications to Ontario's land use planning regime,
amending the Planning Act.
In response to these legislative changes, staff revised the ISDS review process. Alongside the report and checklist, applicants are requested to provide a Letter of Commitment signed by a qualified professional and the owner/developer/builder, confirming the finalization of specific performance measures at the detailed design
stage.
Bill 23 changes to Section 41 of the Planning Act exempt residential developments with up to 10 units from Site Plan Control approval. Although the ISDS is primarily designed for implementation through Site Plan Control, it does not apply to development subject only to Ontario Building Code applications.
In 2023, the sustainability team evaluated planning applications using the new ISDS
approach. There has been a positive response from the development community to the checklist and report format. The ISDS has increased awareness of sustainable best practices, allowing staff to document the extent to which new developments incorporate various sustainable designs and technologies.
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 4
2.1 Implementation in the Seaton Area
As set out in Report PLN 38-22, the 2011 Seaton Sustainable Place-Making Guidelines
continue to apply to development applications and approval processes that are currently
underway in the Seaton area. This includes previously approved Draft Plans, Site Plans, and applications within an established Neighbourhood Plan identified in the Seaton Zoning By-law. Notwithstanding the above, in 2023, many residential builders in Seaton actively surpassed the Seaton Sustainable Place-Making requirements and achieved
compliance with ISDS Tier 1 energy performance measures. Notably, two school
proposals recently submitted a hybrid sustainable development report, incorporating elements from the Seaton Sustainable Place-Making Guidelines and the ISDS.
3. Update on the Actions outlined in Resolution #982/22 (Report PLN 38-22)
To support the implementation of the ISDS, Council directed staff to:
• initiate an amendment to the Pickering Official Plan
• prepare suitable provisions for inclusion in the City’s Draft Comprehensive Zoning By-law
• identify staff resources, and cost recovery mechanisms, to implement and enforce the ISDS
• review the ISDS every four years
• explore non-financial incentive programs to support ISDS elements
The subsequent sections outline the status of these actions. Additionally, where applicable, staff detail next steps that can be undertaken.
3.1 That staff be directed to initiate an amendment to the Pickering Official Plan to
add new policies to the Pickering Official Plan that support the ISDS
Under the Planning Act, municipalities strategically use their Official Plan to guide land-use planning. The Pickering Official Plan (POP) promotes sustainability, emphasizing energy and water conservation, energy-efficient buildings, and renewable energy systems. Policies 16.5A and 16.5B in the POP help implement sustainable development, by requiring that development applications be supported by a sustainable
development report and/or a checklist.
To enhance the City's Official Plan policies, staff commenced a minor technical Amendment to the POP to acknowledge and reinforce the new Pickering ISDS, by removing references to the previous 2007 Sustainable Design Guidelines, and updating
the pre-submission consultation policies, complete application policies, and other
related policies.
In September 2023, Official Plan Amendment Application OPA 23-005/P was initiated by staff, including an electronic Open House and electronic Statutory Public Meeting in October 2023. Subsequently, in December 2023, Council received Report PLN 34-23
and formally adopted Official Plan Amendment 50 to the City of Pickering Official Plan
passing By-law 8054/23 (see Resolution #332/23, Attachment 2). All new developments are now reviewed against ISDS-related Official Plan policies to ensure alignment with the updated policies and goals in the plan.
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 5
3.2 That staff be directed to include appropriate zoning provisions in the Draft Comprehensive Zoning By-law to support the ISDS performance measures
In November 2022, WSP Consulting Inc. (WSP) was retained to undertake a best
practice zoning review for incorporating green development standards into the City's draft Consolidated Zoning By-law (CZBL). WSP aligned this work with the ISDS sustainability goals. To identify best practices, WSP examined green zoning standards in other municipal by-laws in the Greater Toronto Area.
Based on WSP’s review and recommendations, City staff will be applying the following
measures:
• incorporate ISDS-aligned terminology (e.g., green/vegetative roof, solar structures, and long and short-term bicycle parking definitions) into the draft By-law
• update zoning provisions to consider ISDS performance measures to reduce
instances that may result in a variance to the new By-law (for example, ensure that
the new By-law maximum height requirement does not impede the construction of green roofs by allowing green roof parapets to exceed maximum building heights in all zones)
• exclude exterior and interior ISDS design performance measures from the new By-
law, and implement these measures through the site plan control section of the
Planning Act (for example, exterior light pollution and bird-friendly design to minimize bird-glass collisions)
WSP commented that Site Plan Control guidelines are preferred for municipal green standards as they offer flexibility and adaptability. They encourage compliance, foster
sustainable development and innovation, while accommodating local conditions. This
helps to enable effective implementation of green standards. Staff will continue collaborating with the City's CZBL Steering Committee and suggest sustainable zoning terminology to increase clarity where appropriate.
3.3 That City staff be directed to identify any additional staff resources, and cost
recovery mechanisms, necessary to implement and enforce the ISDS, for inclusion in the 2023 Budget
The 2023 City Development Budget included an additional staff complement, with energy management expertise, to review energy modeling reports and other related technical matters, and where appropriate, undertake site visits. The Coordinator,
Community Energy Management was onboarded in Q1 of 2024.
In 2023, staff also reviewed cost recovery mechanisms and established a process whereby a portion of the planning application fees are directed to the sustainability section to offset the cost of staff time allocated to development review. Staff will continue monitoring resource needs and explore cost recovery options for the ongoing
implementation of the ISDS, as necessary.
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 6
3.4 That City staff be directed to review the ISDS every four years to reflect Ontario Building Code revisions, updated industry standards, climate science, and
changing market demands
The initial version of the ISDS Checklist became effective on January 1, 2023. To stay current, a scheduled review of the ISDS was planned for every four years. Tasks to complete the next update will occur in 2026. Pending Council approval, the results of that work (ISDS 2.0) will be implemented in 2027.
During the spring of 2023, staff participated in a stakeholder workshop focused on
transitioning some aspects of municipal green development standards into the Ontario Building Code, including building resiliency, and energy efficiency. Staff will maintain engagement with the ministry, tracking future changes through proposals to change legislation. As the Ontario Building Code changes are finalized, staff will assess
potential impacts on ISDS performance measures and make recommendations
accordingly.
3.5 That City staff be directed to report back to Council on a proposed non-financial incentive strategy to support the implementation of the Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards by the end of 2023
Both financial and non-financial incentives can be influential tools to encourage positive
change within the building industry. Currently, there are no proposed municipal financial incentives within the ISDS framework to facilitate the implementation of Tier 2 performance measures. However, several financial programs are available through external agencies and utilities. In 2023, City staff researched grants and incentive
programs that were available to the development community. Information about these
opportunities is incorporated in comments to applicants. Staff will continue to monitor, investigate, and share relevant grant programs/funding opportunities with the development community.
Non-financial measures are important in promoting sustainable practices by offering
benefits and motivations beyond monetary rewards. Recognition through municipal
awards is a tool to recognize development community members for their achievements. Awards serve to motivate companies as they can enhance their reputation. In recent years, Council has awarded select development community members with the Sustainability Civic Award.
In 2023, the Region of Durham began actively developing the framework for a Green
Development Program. The program is aimed at promoting the adoption of higher levels of energy performance in new residential construction. Durham Region retained a consultant, and has been working with local area municipalities, utilities, and the builder industry in developing this program. Various elements are being explored, including
connecting builders with financial and non-financial incentives.
In July and October 2023, City staff participated in builder-focused workshops with regional staff and utility providers. Over 40 builders from across the region discussed the merits of the Region’s program, and highlighted the benefits of many non-financial
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 7
incentives, including a streamlined review and approval processes. Recognition through awards was also seen as a motivator, and positive way to acknowledge exemplary
sustainable action. As such, staff prepared criteria for a Green Builder Award to be
reviewed and considered by the City of Pickering’s Civic Award Panel for inclusion as a future Civic Award category.
Likewise, offering education and awareness opportunities was noted as a favourable non-financial incentive. Pending budget approval, City staff are exploring a fall 2024
Sustainable Community-Building Workshop. Prior to COVID-19, City staff coordinated
similar workshops that there well received. These workshops are an opportunity to highlight innovative projects, incentive/grant programs, as well as for industry leaders to connect and learn from each other.
4. That Council authorize staff to investigate establishing a Green Roof By-law
(Resolution #914/22)
In February 2022, Council Resolution #914/22 directed staff to explore the feasibility of a by-law authorizing green roofs, or alternative surfaces with similar performance. In response to this resolution, staff prepared Report PLN 38-22 in September 2022. The report outlined existing POP policies supporting green or white roofs to address urban
heat island effects and enhance energy efficiency and stormwater management. The
report emphasized that earlier guidelines, like the 2007 Sustainable Development Guidelines, and 2011 Seaton Sustainable Place-Making Guidelines, laid the foundation for encouraging green roofs in Pickering.
The report also noted that the new ISDS provides the development community flexibility
in choosing roof options for mid to high-rise residential projects. These options include
green roofs, cool roofs, solar-ready configurations, or a combination. The report also recommended that Pickering examine the legal, practical, and resource-related aspects before considering a green roof by-law, and to assess the uptake of green roofs as a result of ISDS implementation, in comparison to other sustainable performance
measures.
As of February 2024, the City of Toronto was the only municipality in Ontario with a Green Roof By-law in place. While staff understand that municipalities can legally enact such a by-law, the City of Pickering, like many other municipalities have opted to encourage green roofs through their sustainable design guidelines or green standards.
Green development standards across Ontario prioritize flexibility in green roof
construction and sustainable building practices. Based on staff review, municipalities often choose voluntary roof construction guidelines over binding by-laws. This approach offers flexibility, allowing property owners and developers greater decision-making to adopt other eco-friendly practices, such as cool roofs and/or a combination of roof
designs.
In the past year, staff monitored new planning applications in the City, specifically focusing on proposed roof designs for various building types and observed the following:
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 8
• High rise residential buildings predominantly featured a roof design with a small
landscape strip, and an extensive vegetative roof system, including shallow growing
mediums or drought-tolerant plants. Additionally, intensive green roofs were chosen by applicants for recreational and open space amenities, and community garden features in raised planters, typically positioned mid-level on the building podium.
• Industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings applicants favoured cool roof
designs with a high Solar Reflective Index (SRI) value. These roofs reflect more sunlight, absorb less heat, and reduce surface temperatures, contributing to energy efficiency by minimizing heat transfer and cooling needs. Recent examples include a self-storage building, a lumber storage facility, and new school buildings. Constraints in adopting green roofs were identified by applicants within the Seaton planning
area, particularly concerning industrial buildings designated for food manufacturing. In this example, the applicant did not propose a green roof building design due to food and safety regulations for food manufacturing in Canada.
• There were no green roof proposals in low-rise developments, such as detached
dwellings and multi-residential (townhouse) buildings with less than four storeys. Based on discussions with architects, structural limitations in detached dwellings may prevent the support of a green roof, as the existing roof structure must handle the added weight of soil, plants, and other components.
In late 2023, staff applied for a research grant, focused on a best practice review for
green roof design. Though the grant was not approved, noteworthy progress emerged in January 2024 with proposed amendments to the National Building Code, introducing a more substantial definition of "vegetative roof assembly" and construction standards for roofs. City staff are continuing to monitor developments in the Ontario Building Code
and green roof construction standards.
Based on available information, staff does not recommend establishing a Green Roof By-law at this time. Staff will continue monitoring applications for the next twelve months to assess green roof uptake in Pickering, and the impact of the Ontario Building Code changes. This period allows for longer-term assessment.
5. ISDS Next Steps
This report provided a detailed overview about implementation of the ISDS. Over the past year, many actions have been accomplished to further support the success of the ISDS. This involved addressing legislative changes, updates to the Ontario Building Code, technological advancements, site-specific constraints, and adapting to the
evolving fiscal landscape for the development community. Given the dynamic nature of
these changes, the focus remains on preserving the flexibility of the ISDS, while maintaining the City’s commitment for new development to meet the intent of the performance measures. The report also aimed to share insights on the integration of green roofs compared to other sustainable performance measures.
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 9
Outlined in the report, City staff will carry out the following:
1. Examine the effectiveness of commitment letters and agreement conditions, explore
the potential for a third-party verification process, and examine benefits and
challenges encountered by other municipalities using a letter of credit to secure select performance measures. 2. Coordinate a sustainable community-building workshop (pending budget approval) to provide the development industry with a valuable knowledge-sharing opportunity.
3. Monitor new building roof design/construction, with a focus on green roofs (e.g.
geographic location, development and building types, and vegetative area). Engage stakeholders regarding sustainable roof options, and monitor the impact of code changes. 4. Review the City’s Site Plan Control By-law, and integrate ISDS requirements, where
feasible.
The ISDS have proven to advance sustainability and resiliency in new development within the City. To continue to expand on related elements, staff will initiate actions as indicated in this report.
Attachments
1. Resolution #982/22 (ISDS Project and Checklist adoption by Council) 2. Resolution #332/23 (ISDS Official Plan Amendment adoption by Council) 3. Resolution #914/22 (Green Roof By-law Motion by Council)
SUS 04-24 March 4, 2024
Subject: Pickering ISDS Implementation and Green Roof By-law Updates Page 10
Prepared By:
Original Signed By
Lalita Paray, MCIP, RPP
Senior Planner, Sustainability
Original Signed By
Chantal Whitaker, BESc (Hons), CSP-P Manager, Sustainability & Strategic Environmental Initiatives
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By
Catherine Rose, MCIP, RPP
Chief Planner
Original Signed By
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng. Director, City Development & CBO
LP:ld
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment 1 to Report SUS 04-24 Legislative Services Division Clerk’s Office Directive Memorandum
September 28, 2022
To: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
From: Susan Cassel City Clerk
Subject: Direction as per Minutes of the Meeting of City Council held on
September 20, 2022
Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 38-22 Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards
City of Pickering
Council Decision Resolution #982/22
1.That Council adopt the Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards: Low-Rise
Residential Checklist, dated August 2022, for Site Plan and Plan of SubdivisionApplications for development of less than four storeys and a minimum of five dwellingunits, as set out in Appendix I to Report PLN 38-22, save and except that Number T1,Electric Vehicles including plug-in hybrid vehicles, Tier 1 Mandatory provision beamended to read as follows:
“Require 40% EV Rough-in & 10% EV Ready charging infrastructure or equivalent electric vehicle energy management systems (load sharing/circuit sharing) capable of providing Level 2 or higher charging for the resident parking spaces;
or
Require EV Ready charging infrastructure capable of providing Level 2 charging or higher for 50% of the resident parking spaces.”
2.That Council adopt the Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards: Mid to HighRise Residential & Non-Residential Checklist, dated August 2022, for Site Plan and Plan
of Subdivision Applications for development of residential buildings of four storeys andhigher, and all Industrial, Commercial and Institutional buildings, as set out in AppendixII to Report PLN 38-22, save and except that Number LN7, Common Outdoor AmenitySpace, Tier 1 Mandatory provision be amended to read as follows:
“For residential buildings with 20 or more dwelling units, provide 4.0 square metres of common outdoor amenity space per dwelling unit (a minimum contiguous area of 40.0 square metres must be provided in a common location). Where lot areas are constrained in some cases, flexibility on providing the
common outdoor amenity space requirement may be provided at the discretion of
the Director, City Development.”
Please take any action deemed necessary.
Susan Cassel
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
And, that Number T1, Electric Vehicles including plug-in hybrid vehicles, Tier 1 Mandatory provision be amended to read as follows:
“For multi residential buildings, require 40% EV Rough-in & 10% EV Ready
charging infrastructure or equivalent electric vehicle energy management systems (load sharing/circuit sharing) capable of providing Level 2 or higher charging for the resident parking spaces;
or
Require EV Ready charging infrastructure capable of providing Level 2 charging
or higher for 50% of the resident parking spaces.”
3.That Council require all Site Plan and Plan of Subdivision Applications, for the type andscale of development referenced in Recommendations 1 and 2 above, that are deemedcomplete on or after January 1, 2023, to meet Tier 1 – Mandatory Performance Criteria
as outlined in the Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards Checklists;
4.That Council direct staff to:
a.initiate an amendment to the Pickering Official Plan to add new policies that support
the Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards;
b.add provisions to the City’s Draft Comprehensive Zoning By-law that support thePickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards;
c.identify any additional staff resources, and cost recovery mechanisms, necessary to
implement and enforce the ISDS, for inclusion within the proposed 2023 budget;
d.review the Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards every four years toreflect Ontario Building Code revisions, updated industry standards and climate
science, and changing market demands; and,
e.report back to Council on a proposed non-financial incentive strategy that supportsthe Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards by the end of 2023;
5.That Report PLN 38-22 of the Director, City Development & CBO, which responds to
Council Resolution #914/22 regarding a green roof by-law, be received for information;and,
6.That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Attachment 2 to Report SUS 04-24
Legislative Services Division Clerk’s Office Directive Memorandum
December 4, 2023
To: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
From: Susan Cassel City Clerk
Subject: Direction as per Minutes of the Meeting of City Council held on
November 27, 2023
Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 34-23 City Initiated Official Plan Amendment 50
Changes to policies to recognize and reinforce the new Pickering Integrated
Sustainable Design Standards File: OPA 23-005/P
Council Decision Resolution #332/23
Please take any action deemed necessary.
Susan Cassel
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
1.That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA 23-005/P, initiated by the City ofPickering, to amend existing policies related to the review of Planning Actapplications to recognize and reinforce the new Pickering IntegratedSustainable Design Standards, as set out in Exhibit ‘A’ to Appendix I to Report
PLN 34-23 be approved; and,
2.That the Draft By-law to adopt Amendment 50 to the Pickering Official Plan, toamend existing policies to recognize and reinforce the new Pickering IntegratedSustainable Design Standards, as set out in Appendix I to Report PLN 34-23,
be enacted.
Attachment 3 to Report SUS 04-24 Legislative Services Division Clerk’s Office Directive Memorandum
May 27, 2022
To: Kyle Bentley Director, City Development & CBO
From: Susan Cassel City Clerk
Subject: Direction as per Minutes of the Meeting of City Council held on
May 24, 2022
Feasibility of a Green Roof By-law
Council Decision Resolution #914/22
WHEREAS in recognition of the growing impacts of climate change, the City of
Pickering declared a climate emergency on December 16, 2019;
And Whereas, climate change impacts occur in both the natural environment and
the built environment;
And Whereas, climate change impacts can adversely affect the resilience of
municipal infrastructure such as roads, sewers and watermains, leading to higher
maintenance and/or replacement costs which must be borne by taxpayers;
And Whereas, the challenges posed by climate change on municipal
infrastructure requires alternative methods to try and minimize impacts;
And Whereas, green roof technology is a proven, well-established technology
that has been implemented by many municipalities as part of a climate change
strategy;
And Whereas, green roof technology provides environmental benefits such as
reduced flood flows, improved water quality, creation of habitat and reduced ‘heat
island effect’, among others;
And Whereas, green roof technology provides economic benefits such as
reduced energy consumption and energy costs for heating and cooling;
And Whereas, the green roof industry is firmly established in the Greater Toronto
Area, with readily accessible materials and expertise;
And Whereas, a Green Roof By-law has been successfully implemented by the
City of Toronto since 2009, and this By-law has been accepted and adopted by
the development industry;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the City of
Pickering directs:
That staff are to investigate the feasibility of establishing a by-law requiring the
construction of green roofs, or of alternative roof surfaces that achieve similar
levels of performance to green roofs, within the City of Pickering, and report back
to Council no later than September 6, 2022.
Please take any action deemed necessary.
Susan Cassel
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer