There are times when you wonder how much of taxes goes towards studies and committees and how effective they are. In June 2006, the Mayor’s Economic Competitive Advisory Committee came together to develop a plan of action to make Toronto a global business city. A city that sets the standard for how global cities innovate to solve urban and metropolitan challenges such as climate change, energy conversation and efficiency, human wellness and security. A hub of environmental innovation and a beacon for diversity and cohesion
We are now in 2010, what is your thought on our progress and the investment we made in this planning. Have we set standard for how global cities innovate to solve urban and metropolitan challenges? I guess the latest innovation was the new paid public toilets that apparently cost $400,000, which have been around for years in France. Perhaps is the hybrid buses where the lead-acid batteries were supposed to last at least four years but they dyed after 18 months. Promising 20-30% reduction in diesel fuel consumption yet delivering only 10% reduction. The buses costing about 50% more. We have made no progress in reducing our carbon footprint and we still see major waste in energy across the city.
On a positive note we have made good progress on setting up bicycle paths and creating efficient recycling program. The new street cars are just around the corner and we shouldn’t forget the incentives and rebates for green causes and the ban on pesticides.
We should really evaluate the value of all these committees and studies. Over the last four years do you believe we have made good progress?
