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"This report provides the recommended comprehensive planning framework for the Downsview area over the next 30 years to guide development of resilient, sustainable and equitable complete communities."

“The Province of Ontario has revived a proposal to build the Greater Toronto Area West Highway (413), a fully separated 400-series highway in the northwest Greater Toronto Area. Its construction threatens critical agricultural lands, sensitive waterways, protected Greenbelt lands and conservation areas, as well as tens of thousands of jobs and billions in agriculture-related economic activity.”

“The carbon footprint of this highway will drive up greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, which have been steadily increasing in recent years. The highway is also in direct opposition to the City of Toronto's climate emergency declaration and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Historically, Toronto has lost much of its native biodiversity due to urbanization, including the destruction of forests, filling of ravines, and damming of waterways. While Toronto has made progress in protecting and managing natural habitats, challenges remain. Approximately "75% of the City's ravines and natural areas surveyed contain invasive species," with one-third severely impacted. With this is mind, Toronto’s first Biodiversity Strategy aims to foster healthier, more robust biodiversity and increase awareness of nature through a comprehensive vision, ten principles, and 23 actions under the themes of Protect, Restore, Design, and Engage. The strategy seeks to position Toronto as a leader in protecting and restoring urban biodiversity by developing an ecological integrity framework, advancing invasive species management, and joining the Biophilic Cities Network.

“Toronto's Ravine System is one of the world's largest urban ecosystems and covers nearly 17 percent of our City at an area of over 11,000 hectares. It is a primary source of habitat for Toronto's terrestrial biodiversity, provides tremendous economic benefit to the City and is internationally renowned as one of Toronto's most unique and defining features. A recent scientific study from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Forestry has demonstrated the immense ecological decline Toronto's Ravine System has endured over previous decades, concluding that widespread, science-based action must be taken immediately.”