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ARTICLE · 02 AUGUST 2013

Toronto Approves Innovative Energy Efficiency Pilot Program Utilizing "Local Improvement Charges"

McCarthy Tétrault
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Toronto City Council unanimously approved its first pilot energy and water efficiency program.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Adam Shedletzky
Adam Shedletzky
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Toronto Forges Ahead – "Local Improvement Charges" Offer a New & Promising Financing Mechanism to Encourage Energy Retrofits

Since then-Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Kathleen Wynne authorized municipalities to use Local Improvement Charges (LICs) to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation projects last November, industry watchers have been waiting to see whether Toronto would take advantage of the opportunity.

Last week, they did: Toronto City Council unanimously approved its first pilot energy and water efficiency program. The three-year, $20 million pilot launching in late 2013 will include 1,000 single-family homes and 10 multi-residential buildings. It will permit participating property owners to undertake natural gas, electricity and water efficiency and conservation measures, with the City of Toronto (the City) covering all of the associated up-front costs. Beneficiary property owners will pay this investment back to the

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