Toronto Green Roof Bylaw
Category:
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY
Policy basics
Institution Name
Policy sector area
Country where the policy is applied
Countries where the policy is applied also
Governance level
City of Toronto
Public
Canada
Municipal
>2M
Year of policy adoption
Population in jurisdiction
Area of jurisdiction (sq.km)
The policy be in force (years)
2009
400-600 km2
Canada
30
Policy background
Was there a "policy champion" that played a key part in the policy initiation, formation or enactment?
data
Was the policy inspired by a good example from another entity, or the result of a collaboration with other entities?
data
Which target group(s) does the policy seek to influence?
data
Aspects of policy effects
Is there other information you would like to provide which will support a better understanding of the nominated policy?
Toronto was the first city in North America to adopt a bylaw to require and govern the construction of green roofs. The GRBL was groundbreaking when introduced in 2009 - it resulted in a new way of viewing the city and inspired a renewed expectation that to develop in Toronto you needed to demonstrate sustainability -visibly with a green roof. It has changed how residents and tourists view the city .
Is the policy a transposition of a higher level national or international policy or commitment? If so, please describe.
In a general sense, through polices that encourage green infrastructure. it also implements the UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) 13 (Climate action) 15 (life on land)
Anticipated replicability and relevance for other jurisdictions or entities
The Green Roof Bylaw was featured in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund annual report as an example for other municipalities to follow., an d a number have done so across Canada. TOornto is the only muncipality in Ontario with atuoity to enact a GRBL, though the Province is considering permitting other cities through changes to the Ontario Buildng Code, using Toronto as an example. Ontario,
Description of anticipated and monitored policy consequences
the city is currently monitoring the health of constructed green roofs at the site plan inspection stage - typically two years post construction. This has identified a need for better awareness and education for building owners on how to maintain green roofs. The Toronto green standard was revised to require treatment of windows adjacent to green roofs - unanticipated that birds would be attracted to the greenery on the roof. the GRBL was revised to exempt and provide alternative requirements for the roofs of large industrial buildings which would have force new industry to leave.
Description of policy monitoring and reporting plan to follow up implementation and assess policy consequences
Feedback on the GRBL is documented and reviewed yearly. Implementation issues are identified and if required, revisions to the GRBL are adopted by City Council. A review and update is proposed for 2026. issues are identifed and
Description of the policy formation process.
The Toronto Green Roof By-law, enacted under the authority of Section 108 of the City of Toronto Act (COTA) requires green roofs on certain types of new buildings and regulates the design and construction of green roofs in Toronto. Toronto was the only city in North America with a By-law that both requires green roofs and establishes the construction standards for them. The process started in 2001 at the community level with a partnership between the City, the National Research Council Canada, and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities to build two demonstration sites on City buildings – the podium deck of City Hall and the Eastview Community Centre. The City furthered its commitment to supporting green roofs through recommendations and policies in its Environmental Plan and its new Official Plan. In early 2005, the City hired a team from Ryerson University to undertake a study, entitled The Environmental Benefits and Costs of Green Roof Technology, to determine green roofs’ measurable enviro
Please briefly describe other policies in the policy landscape, if there are any, that supplement and support the policy.
the Toronto Green Standard, a required set of sustainable performance measures, supports the GRBL through requirements for on-site green infrastructure (80% of available roof space); biodiverse green roofs)
Is the policy following up a "parent" policy or is it expected to be followed up with "child" policies?
the GRBL is implementing Official Plan policy 3.4.19 sustainable design and construction practices and green industry will be supported by a) the use of innovative green spaces such as green roofs and designs that reduce the urban heat island effect and enhance urban ecology. .
Has the entity that adopted the policy commited economic or other resources to support the policy's goals?
the GRBL was developed with internal resources and funding from the federal government. it is implemented with internal resources, including consultatnt funding for periodic updates.
Does the policy support or drive accelerated uptake of green infrastructure?
Yes. The GRBL supports the uptake of green infrastructure - green roofs add to the experience and expectation of Toronto as a green city.
Does the policy support or drive innovation in the field of green infrastructure?
Yes. The GRBL has driven development of the green roof industry in the city of Toronto over the past 15 years. It has led to industry co-operation on major technical issues, better reserach and development of new products to meet specific design challenges by both individual firms and academia, such as the wind uplift product standards.
Does the policy support establishing green infrastructure in existing buildings or constructions?
Yes. the GRBL requires cash-in-lieu when the GRBL requirements cannot be met. The funds go to the Eco-Roof Incentive program which provides grants for green and cool roofs on existing buildings .
Does the policy support or drive retrofit of green infrastructure into existing buildings, constructions?
Yes. the GRBL funds the Eco-roof incentive program which funds new green roofs on existing buildings.
Does the policy affect socially equitable distribution of green infrastructure?
Indirectly in that all new large development is required to construct a green roof. the Eco-roof incentive program provides funding for non-profits, schools and community builidngs.
What aspects of environmental sustainability does the policy support? Comment briefly on (taxonomy for environmental sustainability aspects).
Green roofs help to address urban heat island effect, manage stormwater, cool the building, provide habitat and beautify the city.
Is the policy expected to contribute to a net positive increase in urban nature?
Yes. The GRBL has resulted in over 1000 new green roofs which provide habitat for insects. It has changed the roofscape of the city to a view of vegeation vs hardscape.
Does the policy support establishing green infrastructure in existing buildings or constructions?
Yes. the Green Roof Bylaw requires construction of green roofs or cash in lieu of a green roof. the cash in lieu funds the Eco-roof Incentive program which funds green roofs on existing building.
What ecosystem services or functionality does the policy act as a driver for? Please comment on...(taxonomy for ecosystem services.)
the Green Roof Bylaw has changed the roofscape of the city, and has driven the view of the city as 'green' supporting other green infrastructure programs.
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