Toronto's Air Pollution: Strategies For A Sustainable Future

Toronto, Canada's most populous city, is known for its thriving finance and business sectors, as well as its industrial production and export of metals, vehicles, chemicals, and machinery. With a large and growing population, it is no surprise that Toronto faces challenges with air pollution, particularly from traffic and industrial sources. In this context, the Study of Winter Air Pollution in Toronto (SWAPIT) is a notable initiative that aims to enhance our understanding of the complex mixture of urban air pollutants. While Toronto's air quality has shown improvement, with a 2019 PM2.5 average of 7.4 μg/m³, placing it among the least polluted cities globally, there is still room for progress. This is especially true when considering the health impacts of air pollution, which include respiratory issues, cardiac conditions, and premature deaths, with certain vulnerable groups being disproportionately affected. To address these concerns, the Government of Canada and the City of Toronto have implemented various strategies, such as the Net-Zero Challenge, Canada's Methane Strategy, and the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, all aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality for the well-being of Toronto's residents.

Reduce vehicle emissions

Toronto, Canada's most populous city, is known for its finance and business industries, as well as its mass production and export of industrial goods. As a result, the city faces prominent pollution-related issues. In 2019, Toronto's PM2.5 average was 7.4 μg/m³, which met the World Health Organization's target for the best quality of air. However, certain areas with high traffic volumes and industrial emissions continue to be a cause for concern.

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is the largest local source of air pollution in Toronto, with vehicle exhaust emissions from cars, trucks, and other on-road vehicles being a major contributor. To reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, the following strategies can be implemented:

• Encouraging the use of zero-emission vehicles: The government can provide incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric or hydrogen-powered cars. This will help reduce the number of vehicles emitting pollutants from gasoline or diesel fuel.
• Improving public transportation: Investing in public transportation infrastructure, such as buses, subways, or light rail systems, can help reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. This includes improving the frequency and accessibility of public transportation to make it a more attractive option for commuters.
• Implementing congestion pricing: Congestion pricing involves charging a fee for driving in certain congested areas during peak hours. This can help reduce the number of vehicles entering the city centre and encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation.
• Promoting active transportation: The government can invest in projects that promote increased use of human-powered activities, such as walking and cycling. This can include developing dedicated bike lanes, improving pedestrian walkways, and creating safe and accessible active transportation networks.
• Enforcing idling restrictions: Idling vehicle engines contribute significantly to air pollution. By enforcing strict idling restrictions, such as prohibiting running an engine while parked for more than 60 seconds, emissions from stationary vehicles can be reduced.
• Improving vehicle fuel efficiency: Implementing regulations and standards for vehicle fuel efficiency can help reduce emissions from cars and trucks. This includes encouraging the use of high-quality, low-emission fuels and promoting the development and adoption of electric or hybrid vehicles.

Reduce industrial emissions

Toronto, Canada's most populous city, is a centre for finance, business, media, tech, and industry. As with any major city, air pollution is a significant issue. While Toronto's air quality is relatively good compared to other global cities, certain aspects can cause health issues. The most prominent sources of air pollution in Toronto are traffic and industrial emissions.

To reduce industrial emissions, the Government of Canada has implemented several measures and regulations. These include the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations, which aim to reduce emissions from industrial boilers and heaters, cement manufacturing, and stationary engines. The government is also working to implement Canada's Air Quality Management System (AQMS), which includes industrial emissions requirements and stricter outdoor air standards.

The Net-Zero Challenge encourages businesses to develop and implement plans to transition their operations to net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, Canada's Methane Strategy aims to reduce methane emissions across the economy, and the Net Zero Accelerator helps businesses provide net-zero technologies to large emitters.

The government is also taking steps to promote clean energy and reduce the reliance on diesel and natural gas for electricity. This includes funding clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities and providing incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles.

To further improve air quality and reduce the risks of air pollution, the government is investing in cleaner technologies and scientific research. Scientists and researchers assess the health and environmental impacts of air pollutants, which informs government action to protect Canadians from adverse effects.

Improve air quality monitoring

Toronto's air quality is considered good, with a 2019 PM2.5 reading of 7.4 μg/m³, placing it 3652nd out of all cities ranked worldwide. However, air pollution still causes health issues and economic losses for the city. As such, there are several ongoing initiatives to improve air quality monitoring in Toronto and Canada more broadly.

The Government of Canada is taking steps to reduce air pollution and fight climate change by establishing national air quality standards, investing in cleaner technologies, and implementing regulations. They are working with provinces and territories to implement the Air Quality Management System and bring forward measures to address air pollution from vehicles, engines, and everyday products. The government also provides Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) forecasts for communities across Canada, issued twice daily, and hourly updates on current air quality conditions. Additionally, they provide air quality alerts for communities at immediate risk from air pollution caused by dense wildfire smoke and work with international partners to ensure the effectiveness of treaties such as the Canada-US Air Quality Agreement and the Gothenburg Protocol in reducing transboundary air pollution.

The City of Toronto has initiatives to address air quality issues, such as the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, which aims to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040. The city also has bylaws to address traffic-related air pollution, such as prohibiting idling engines for more than 60 seconds. Toronto Public Health works collaboratively with other city divisions to protect residents' health, and reports such as "Avoiding the TRAP: Traffic Related Air Pollution in Toronto and Options for Reducing Exposure" identify strategies to reduce exposure to traffic pollutants.

Furthermore, scientific investigations like the Study of Winter Air Pollution in Toronto (SWAPIT) aim to advance the understanding of the urban air pollutant mixture. This study, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), involves over ninety scientific and technical experts collecting data and interpreting results. SWAPIT focuses on under-investigated conditions during winter, including emissions from vehicles in cold temperatures and the impacts of air pollution captured by falling snow. The data collected will improve the scientific and technical tools used to understand urban air pollution in Canadian cities.

Implement clean energy projects

Toronto, Canada's most populous city, is a centre for finance, business, media, tech, and industrial production. It is no surprise that a city with such a large population and diverse industries will have pollution-related issues. The largest source of local air pollution in Toronto is traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), followed by emissions from industrial and residential sources.

To implement clean energy projects in Toronto, the following steps can be taken:

• Reduce Emissions from Vehicles: Exhaust emissions from cars, trucks, and other vehicles are a major contributor to air pollution in Toronto. The City of Toronto has taken steps to address this issue by prohibiting idling for more than 60 seconds under the City of Toronto By-Law 517. Additionally, the Government of Canada is providing incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles and funding the installation of more electric charging and hydrogen refuelling stations.
• Transition to Clean Energy Sources: Toronto can further reduce air pollution by transitioning to clean energy sources. This includes phasing out traditional coal-fired electricity and promoting the use of clean technologies and lower-carbon fuels. The Government of Canada is working towards implementing Canada's Air Quality Management System (AQMS), which includes industrial emissions requirements and stricter outdoor air quality standards.
• Invest in Indigenous, Rural, and Remote Communities: The Government of Canada is funding clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities to reduce their reliance on diesel for electricity. This will not only improve air quality but also reduce the health risks associated with diesel emissions.
• Promote Active Transportation: The Government of Canada is investing in the Active Transportation Fund to encourage increased use of human-powered activities, such as walking and cycling. This will not only reduce vehicle emissions but also improve the overall health and well-being of Canadians.
• Reduce Emissions from Industrial Sources: Toronto can also focus on reducing emissions from industrial sources, such as boilers, heaters, and manufacturing processes. The Government of Canada has implemented the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations to reduce emissions from industrial boilers, heaters, and manufacturing sectors.
• Improve Energy Efficiency: Toronto can encourage the use of high-quality, energy-efficient fuels and technologies. This includes implementing regulations, such as the Clean Fuel Regulations, to limit polluting components in fuels and promoting the development and use of net-zero technologies.

By implementing these clean energy projects, Toronto can significantly reduce air pollution, improve the health and well-being of its residents, and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Toronto, the most populous city in Canada, is a centre for finance, business, media, tech, and industrial production. As with any major city, air pollution is a significant issue. In 2004, Toronto Public Health estimated that 1,700 residents died prematurely each year due to air pollution, with an additional 6,000 admitted to hospitals. By 2014, these numbers had decreased, with premature deaths estimated at 1,300 per year and hospitalizations at 3,550.

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is the largest local source of air pollution in Toronto, followed by emissions from industrial and residential sources. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the City of Toronto has implemented the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, which aims to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040. This strategy includes the following measures:

• Encouraging businesses to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero emissions by 2050 through the Net-Zero Challenge.
• Implementing Canada's Methane Strategy to reduce methane emissions across the economy.
• Providing programs such as the Net Zero Accelerator to support businesses in providing net-zero technologies to large emitters.
• Funding clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities to reduce their reliance on diesel for electricity.
• Offering incentives for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles and funding the installation of more electric charging and hydrogen refuelling stations.
• Ensuring the use of high-quality fuels by implementing regulations such as the Clean Fuel Regulations, which limit polluting components in fuels.
• Reducing emissions from industrial boilers, heaters, and stationary engines through the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations.
• Working with provinces and territories to implement Canada's Air Quality Management System (AQMS), including industrial emissions requirements and stricter outdoor air standards.
• Phasing out traditional coal-fired electricity by 2030.
• Promoting clean technology and lower carbon fuel use in transportation through the Clean Fuel Regulations.
• Investing in the Active Transportation Fund for projects that promote increased use of human-powered activities.

By implementing these measures, Toronto is taking significant steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the air quality for its residents.

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