Toronto Municipal Election 2026

Overview

Overview

The Government of Ontario is planning to meet Toronto’s electricity needs by building new high-cost nuclear reactors and ramping up the output of the Portlands gas plant on our waterfront.

This will lead to higher electricity rates and more pollution.

Fortunately, we can lower our electricity bills and clear the air by investing in much lower cost wind and solar energy.

OCAA asked candidates these two questions:

1. Should the City of Toronto and Toronto Hydro develop a plan to increase local solar electricity generation by 2.8 billion kWh per year by 2030 (the equivalent of what the Portlands gas plant produced in 2024)? This could be achieved by installing more solar panels on City-owned buildings and parking lots and by encouraging local residents, big box stores and other commercial, institutional and industrial buildings to install solar.

2. Should Toronto Hydro undertake a preliminary feasibility study on the potential locations (near shore and far offshore) and costs and benefits of a Lake Ontario offshore wind farm?

BONUS: Environmental Defence’s Renewables-Ready Toronto pledge calls on municipal candidates to champion local renewable energy, like rooftop solar and battery storage, while reducing Toronto’s reliance on polluting gas-fired electricity. See which candidates have signed the pledge and committed to a cleaner, more affordable energy future for Toronto by scrolling down the page.

Responses Overview

University-Rosedale Candidate Responses

Alice Li

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Additional comments

Diana Yoon

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Renewables-Ready Toronto: This candidate has signed Environmental Defence’s pledge to advance local renewable energy and reduce reliance on gas-fired electricity.

Additional comments

Gian Pileri

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Renewables-Ready Toronto: This candidate has signed Environmental Defence’s pledge to advance local renewable energy and reduce reliance on gas-fired electricity.

Additional comments

I support a practical, costed plan toward an additional 2.8 billion kWh of local solar generation annually by 2030. Toronto should lead with solar on suitable City buildings and parking lots, while making it easier for residents, businesses and institutions to participate. The plan needs identified funding, annual milestones and public reporting.
Solar expansion must be coordinated with storage and grid improvements to keep electricity reliable and affordable. I would push for provincial cooperation to remove unnecessary barriers and enable shared solar options so renters and people without suitable rooftops can also benefit.

I also support a preliminary study of near-shore and farther-offshore wind farms in Lake Ontario. It should assess costs, electricity output, grid connections, effects on bills and pollution, and impacts on drinking water, wildlife, navigation and waterfront communities. Indigenous Nations and affected residents should be involved early.
The findings should be public, understandable and compared with other clean-energy options, with provincial requirements clearly identified. Any decision to build would require further environmental review, consultation and financial assessment. My priority is cleaner air, affordable energy and measurable progress, with decisions grounded in evidence.

Keenan Courtis

Renewables-Ready Toronto: This candidate has signed Environmental Defence’s pledge to advance local renewable energy and reduce reliance on gas-fired electricity.

Additional comments

Mike Layton

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Renewables-Ready Toronto: This candidate has signed Environmental Defence’s pledge to advance local renewable energy and reduce reliance on gas-fired electricity.

Additional comments

Paul Viret

Renewables-Ready Toronto: This candidate has signed Environmental Defence’s pledge to advance local renewable energy and reduce reliance on gas-fired electricity.

Additional comments