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Amidst the intensifying effects of climate change, for the first time in many years, the humidex (combining temperature and humidity) reached the dangerous threshold of 46 degrees C. In addition to pool closures and limitations to the capacities of Project Water to deliver bottles to unhoused populations, the city believes additional measures were needed to keep Torontonians safe from the effects of extreme heat.
 

Young people will inherit the planet and will bear the brunt of climate change impacts for the longest time. They are the generation that will live with the escalating effects of extreme weather, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. Young people have a moral right to be informed and consulted on issues that will profoundly affect their future. As stated by Vote16 Canada, research from Elections Canada found that “16-17s are just as interested, if not more, in participating in various forms of political activity, including both voting and non-electoral civic activities. [Moreover], Canadian scholars have found that 16-17s are not less politically developed than adults, and, depending on the aspect being looked at, they are more knowledgeable or as knowledgeable as adults. Compared to 18-20s, they know as much about political institutions, the campaign promises, and the candidates…As of today, 17 countries have a minimum voting age of 16 for at least one level of government, including Germany, Scotland, Wales, Austria, Belgium, Finland, and several cities in the US.”

Buying local generally has environmental benefits. For instance, buying locally sourced and produced food can reduce "food miles" (the distance food travels from farm to plate), leading to lower transportation emissions and supporting more sustainable farming practices. Moreover, on February 5, 2025, City Council adopted several measures in response to potential 25% tariffs from the Trump Administration. The City Manager and relevant Divisions were instructed to create a "Buy Local, Buy Canadian" campaign to encourage residents, businesses, and city agencies to support locally made Canadian goods and services, helping protect jobs in Toronto and Ontario. Additionally, efforts to strengthen local procurement processes, as outlined in the "Sidewalks to Skylines" economic plan, were to be accelerated. The Federal Government was also urged to develop a standardized label for Canadian goods that clearly indicates the percentage of Canadian and foreign content. Finally, the motion was forwarded to all Ontario municipalities, encouraging them to join Toronto's campaign.

“City Council has committed to a phased-in approach to a universal school food program, including a universal mid-morning meal by the 2026 to 2027 school year and a universal school lunch program no later than 2030. This matter is urgent as action is needed from all orders of government, particularly as the 2025 to 2026 budgets are prepared at the Federal and Provincial levels.”

“The rising cost of groceries is putting pressure on families in our City. In Toronto, nearly one in three food bank clients are children and youth. The reality is, in our city with so much wealth, we have thousands of kids going to school every single day hungry. When you’re hungry, you can’t learn. We need our kids to be able to focus on their teacher, not their hunger. We know that student meal programs increase attendance, improve math, science and reading scores, reduce dropouts, and create healthier communities.”

Multi-tenant housing, also known as rooming housing, is an essential part of the city as it provides housing for students, seniors, and people leaving homelessness. The City of Toronto wants to protect these homes and improve the living conditions of its tenants. Currently, many of these multi-tenant housing buildings need upgrades and repairs to meet building, fire, and zoning rules. Without assistance, these buildings are at risk of shutting down. The city will set aside $2 million to help fund the Multi-Tennet Houses Renovation Program ,where building owners who accept these funds must keep rent affordable and continue to operate as licensed rooming houses for at least 15 years.

“Community Environment Days are an important part of the City's waste reduction strategy. From 2014 to 2017, by going to their local Community Environment Day, Torontonians recycled and/or diverted from landfills” over 2 million kilograms of electronics, household hazardous waste, reusable household goods and arts and crafts supplies.