Ford’s choices hurt climate solutions — let’s make Ontario listen

Ontario's path to net-zero emissions by 2050 isn't just an aspiration — it's essential for our environment, economy and health. Achieving this goal requires bold actions from the provincial government, prioritizing clean energy investments and climate solutions over short-term political gains.

Unfortunately, current policies tell a different story. The Ford government continues to expand gas-fired power plants, build highways that increase car dependence, and remove essential bike lanes — all of which exacerbate the climate crisis. In 2023, carbon emissions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) jumped by 2 per cent, largely due to the province’s growing reliance on natural gas plants. This comes at a time when emissions must fall drastically to meet climate commitments.

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Electricity demand will inevitably rise as populations grow and more people switch to electric vehicles and home heating. Yet, evidence shows that cleaner pathways are not only possible but achievable. For instance, a new report highlights that more than half of Toronto’s electricity needs could be met through solar power from rooftops and parking lots alone. However, outdated provincial and municipal regulations create unnecessary barriers, hindering progress in solar energy development.

Innovative solutions like agrivoltaics, where crops and solar panels coexist, could help Canada meet its goal of producing  emissions-free electricity by 2050. Yet, Ontario’s ban on ground-mounted solar farms on prime agricultural land, while aimed at protecting farmland, stifles these opportunities. Experts warn this decision limits the potential for dual-use systems that can produce both food and energy.

At the same time, traffic congestion in the GTHA has reached levels deemed the worst in North America. Experts agree that solutions lie in investing in public transit, affordable transportation alternatives like bike lanes, and walkable streets. Instead, the Ford government is expanding highways, removing bike lanes, and restricting municipalities from installing new ones. While the government claims these moves will ease congestion, an Ontario cabinet briefing document reveals that eliminating bike lanes will not resolve congestion problems and could make it worse, while an unassailable body of evidence shows new highways just worsen congestion over time.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Programs like Bike Share Toronto prove that people are eager for sustainable transit options. Memberships have doubled from 18,000 in 2020 to over 35,000 in 2023, with trips surging from 2.9 million to 5.7 million in the same period. This success demonstrates that investment in bike infrastructure pays off.

The technology and solutions for a sustainable future—from solar panels to heat pumps to efficient transit — are ready now. However, the Ford government’s actions reflect a continued reliance on fossil fuels and a reluctance to embrace a genuine energy transition.

This is where Canada's National Observer comes in. As independent media, we hold decision-makers accountable and illuminate the path to a sustainable future. Our reporting reveals both the challenges and solutions in Ontario's climate journey.

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