Nature of risk
The bylaw was initially developed based on research and evidence that the construction of green roofs can deliver significant environmental benefits, particularly in the areas of stormwater management and reducing the urban heat island effect and associated energy use for cooling. Removing mandatory requirements of green roofs risks losing the environmental benefits, particularly leading to an increase in stormwater runoff.
Policy summary
What changed
In line with Bill 60 - Fighting Delays, Building Fast Act - which intends to accelerate housing, green roofs are now voluntary in an effort to lower the cost of construction and reduce 'unnecessary' costs. From 2010 to 2025 before the recent repeal, the City of Toronto's Green Roof Bylaw required green roofs on all classes of new buildings to cover up to 60% of all available roof space dependent on the size of the building. Green roof bylaws and policies are still allowed but can no longer be mandatory.
Primary source