VOLUNTARY CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM (draft): MOECC is developing a voluntary carbon offsets program (separate from the cap and trade program) with the aim to provide a quality, branded class of offsets that the Ontario government, the private sector and others can use to reduce both their carbon and ecological footprints. The November 2017 discussion paper emphasized potential offsetting projects that could provide co-benefits, including green infrastructure projects that would align with other sustainable development goals.

MUNICIPAL ASSET MANAGEMENT: The MOI has created a new regulation that requires municipalities to develop and adopt an asset management plan. The regulation includes green infrastructure in its definition of Municipal Infrastructure Assets.

MODERNIZING ONTARIO’S MUNICIPAL LEGISLATION ACT: The MMA updated Ontario’s Municipal Act and the City of Toronto Act to give municipalities more responsibility and power to grow and protect green infrastructure. Updates included: requiring that municipalities have policy pertaining to protection and enhancement of their tree canopy and natural vegetation; allowing municipalities to pass green roof by-laws; and empowering municipalities to act in the economic, social and environmental well-being of the municipality, including respecting climate change.

WETLAND CONSERVATION STRATEGY: The OMNRF released its Wetland Conservation Strategy, which outlines a framework to guide wetland conservation across the province into the year 2030. The strategy identifies the important role of wetlands as green infrastructure in Ontario, and identifies the need for protection, restoration and creation of wetlands in Ontario.

CONSERVATION AUTHORITY ACT: The OMNRF has modernized the Conservation Authority Act and now recognizes watershed management as a key tool in helping Ontario to adapt to the impacts of issues such as rapid growth and climate change.

GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE: The MMA released the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, which includes support for green infrastructure, specifically in the context of stormwater management, climate change mitigation/adaptation, natural heritage protection and local agriculture.

ONTARIO’S CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY INCLUDES “BUILD GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE” ACTION: One of four action items under the mitigation goal of “A Prosperous Low-carbon Economy with World-Leading Innovation, Science and Technology.”