TransformTO: Multisolving in Action

TransformTO developed a community engagement strategy to build shared ownership of the project. The aim was to raise awareness, garner support, mobilise advocacy for next steps and build partnerships. 

Intended to reach environmental targets while simultaneously improving health, the local economy and social equity. Aim to collaboratively reduce Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions.  

--> GHG reduced by 80% by 2050 so that 75% of energy comes from renewables.

--> 100& of new buildings are near zero GHG by 2030.

--> 100% of transportation uses low/xero carbon energy by 2050.

--> 95% of waste is diverted in all sectors by 2050.   

Greenhouse gas, emissions, climate action

Multisolving- Finding solution to interconnected problems facing the climate and human society.  Requires the will to think and work together. And the belief that everyone matters and everyone is needed. ​​​​​​​

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 in Toronto in the scope of city planning, parks, forstry & recreation, water, waterfront services, and solid waste management services. 

Stakeholders:

• Modelling Advisory Group: community leaders, city divisions- Provide advice to project initiators  
  
• Atmospheric Fund- Project initiators 
  
• City of Toronto’s Environment and Energy Division- Project initiators  
  
• Community: residents- Invited to different engagements (consultations) 
  
• Staff Project Steering Team- Staff drew from their experience in designing and implementing climate initiatives   

Network, communication and governance:

1. Modelling Advisory Group made up of 35 volunteer members representing different sectors within the community: different city divisions and agencies; the provincial government; public utilities; Metrolinx; academics and professional associations; environmental and climate change advocacy groups; municipal and land-use specialists; community and social planning groups as well as subject-matter experts.

i. The group met four times between July 2016 and March 2017. Supported the modelling process, analysed proposed low-carbon solutions and offered advice to staff.  

ii. Developed into Toronto’s Net Zero Climate Strategy. Currently there is a Climate Advisory Group made up of individuals over the age of 14, living in Toronto who are not family/spouses of Toronto City staff. They are selected for a 3-year term.  

iii. Made a summary report with recommendation in regards to multisolving. 

2. Online TransformTO survey- collected community’s ideas for initiatives to help reduce the city’s overall GHGE. Results summarised in reports and events  

3. TransformTO event- experts shared their ideas with residents on low-carbon initiatives and answered questions.  Aimed to educate the public on current topics.  

3. City-hosted and community-hosted TransformTO conversations- Aimed to design and identify a shared community vision for low-carbon Toronto.  

4. The feedback from residets led to the creation of guiding priciples for TransformTO's continued engagement. 

The AGM summary report highlights the groups' advice on acheiving these goals

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-103087.pdf

• New partnerships to reach the targets, it's not only delivered by the City of Toronto
  
• Maximising vonservation is priority
  
• Continuing to support already exsiting activities contributing to emission reductions
  
• Can achieve emission reduction while achieving other public policy priorities
  
• Promoting green jobs and improving public health

1. The understanding that residents do not always view issues in the same way as organisations do. TransformTO's strategies also accounted for priorities raised by the community.