Daryl Gonsalves –
Toronto’s erratic weather and air quality this past winter suggests that Canada needs to take a leap forward on climate change solutions instead of advancing by incremental steps. However, some argue that we are moving backwards.
Toronto East Residents for Renewable Energy (TERRE) held advocacy events in May to oppose the planned capital upgrade to the Portlands Energy Centre, the natural gas plant located west of Leslie Street on Unwin Avenue. TERRE opposes any increase in the plant’s output because they argue that the resulting emissions damage the environment and health of nearby communities.
According to Natural Resources Canada, the country is warming faster than the world average. In a global economy where private finance is increasingly aligned behind achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, the pragmatic case to meaningfully tackle climate change is increasingly becoming economic as well. However, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) states that Ontario’s rapid economic and population growth, mining and steel electrification and growth in electric-vehicle industries are accelerating electricity demand growth across the province, which complicates the transition to net-zero.
According to the City of Toronto data from 2021, buildings contribute towards the most greenhouse gas emissions (56%), followed by transportation (35%) and waste (9%). City Council has adopted an ambitious strategy to reduce community-wide emissions to net zero by 2040.
Environmental Defence says the city’s largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions is the Portlands Energy Centre. Another climate action group, the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, notes that the waterfront facility produces as much pollution as 133,000 cars.
The Portlands Energy Centre is operated by Atura Power, a subsidiary of the provincially owned Ontario Power Generation.
Atura Power’s website acknowledges that natural gas has environmental impacts and argues that its facilities use modern technology to emit 60 percent less carbon and fewer air pollutants than other fossil fuels. Atura states that the manufacturer of the capital upgrades has provided written letters stating that the planned investments will not increase the facility’s current levels of air pollutants and noise beyond the environmental permitting limits. TERRE does not believe this is accurate.
TERRE, a coalition of East End residents and local climate justice groups, wants the Portlands Energy Centre phased out by 2030, replaced by renewable energy generation in Toronto and across Ontario. TERRE has requested an elevated environmental assessment process of the plant and the planned upgrade from the province’s Environment Ministry.
Joyce McLean of TERRE argues that Ontario must avoid energy generation options with negative environmental and health impacts. She questions the rationale to upgrade the gas plant while the city is making significant residential housing investments in the area.
TERRE’s community health forum in the Ralph Thornton Community Centre on May 15 was well attended, with speakers including Toronto Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns and Ward 14 Councillor Paula Fletcher. However, Dr. Mili Roy of Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) stole the show.
May 15 TERRE forum at the Ralph Thornton Community Cenre. Photo: Daryl G.
In her comprehensive presentation on the impacts of climate change and poor air quality, Roy said nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the main pollutant released by the Portlands Energy Centre, accounts for nearly all local NO2 emissions. She cautioned that NO2 exposure limits have decreased over time while the gas plant’s NO2 emissions have doubled since it was commissioned.
Noticing that the Portlands Energy Centre participated in the Doors Open Toronto weekend, TERRE held an advocacy action on May 25. McLean said TERRE handed informational resources to visitors on the impacts of the gas plant facility and was rewarded with positive interactions.
If readers wish to find more information about TERRE, visit www.TERREcoalition.ca and you may also sign up to its mailing list.
