Today, the city launched the Toronto Clean Energy Partnership to support a consortium of more than 30 Toronto clean technology companies in developing and bidding on international green infrastructure projects in Central and Eastern Europe.
The Partnership was launched today by Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic and Community Development Committee and reaffirms the City's position as a global leader in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Today's event was attended by more than 300 participants and included experts in green industries, global trade and sustainable finance, including representatives from partner organizations such as Toronto Global, Toronto Finance International, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
In addition to aligning closely with Toronto's green energy, climate change and economic development goals, the Partnership is an innovative approach to promoting trade and attracting foreign direct investment in an emergent industry. It will use virtual trade missions and draw upon the expertise of Toronto-based firms to organize design charrettes and challenge pitches to eliminate coal burning to heat urban centres.
The Partnership is an outcome of Mayor John Tory's European Trade Mission in 2019. As a result of that mission, the City supported a consortium of 34 local green sector organizations to submit a bid to the City of Helsinki to eliminate its reliance on coal for heating. That process produced a cohesive partnership and a strong interest in continuing to work together to explore other clean technology opportunities internationally. The Canadian Trade Commissioners in seven Central and Eastern European countries have identified potential opportunities to develop and implement large green infrastructure projects using a similar approach.
The Partnership is also aligned with recommendation 63 of the COVID-19: Impact and Opportunities Report from the Toronto Office of Recovery & Rebuild, which recommends building on Toronto’s strengths in finance, artificial intelligence, technology, research, clean technology and green industries to attract further foreign direct investment. Toronto has an opportunity to leverage new investment opportunities in this sector to increase jobs, improve productivity, and deliver economic and environmental benefits.
My spring newsletter is out! Plus: free compost this weekend & 2024 Environment Days.
Read my latest update on engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park and the Leslie Street Spit.
