Toronto Municipal Election 2026 Responses for Beaches-East YorkOCAA Admin2026-08-05T04:14:01-04:00

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.

Local rooftop and large parking lot solar could meet more than 50% of Toronto’s electricity needs.
A Lake Ontario wind farm could produce as much electricity as the Portlands gas plant. If its turbines are located 10 to 15 km offshore, they will be barely visible from land.
Local renewable energy will create good jobs in Toronto and increase our energy security by reducing our need to import fossil gas from the U.S.

We 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?

Responses Overview

Beaches-East York Candidate Responses

Austin Vieira

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Additional comments

I support Toronto Hydro undertaking a preliminary feasibility study to examine the potential locations, costs, and benefits of a Lake Ontario offshore wind farm. As part of my commitment to building climate-resilient public infrastructure and securing a sustainable energy future, exploring every viable renewable resource is a responsible next step for our city. A comprehensive study will provide the data-driven framework we need to evaluate the environmental impacts, cost-efficiency, and generation potential of both near-shore and far-offshore sites while protecting our waterfront ecosystems. By thoroughly investigating these innovative clean energy options now, Toronto can make informed, forward-looking decisions that reduce our carbon footprint, strengthen our local grid, and protect the long-term health of our natural environment.

James Dann

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Additional comments

Jennie Worden

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Additional comments

I fully support the development and execution of a plan to increase local solar electricity generation in Toronto. I believe that the City needs to be a leader in this and set the standard for new builds in Toronto, starting with the City’s own projects. We can also look to other countries like Australia and the UK for inspiration on their own incentive programs that have boosted solar electricity adoption to the point where citizens can now receive a few hours a day of ‘free’ electricity. While the moratorium on offshore wind farms on Lake Ontario persists, it makes sense to me to study what a future offshore wind farm installation could look like and what its impacts would be. This brings us a step closer to understanding how we can move forward if, and when, the provincial moratorium is lifted. Clean electricity generation is essential for meeting our climate commitments and for our shared survival as a species. We must do everything we can to ensure a liveable future for us all.

Nate Erskine-Smith

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Additional comments

1. We need to prioritize ambitious expansion of renewables, including a massive expansion of rooftop solar in our city.

2. The province should end its ban on offshore wind and we should collectively be ready for when that happens.

Syeda Jaana Ali

1. Question 1 (solar electricity): Yes

2. Question 2 (offshore wind): Yes

Additional comments

Question 1: Yes. I support the City of Toronto and Toronto Hydro developing a plan to significantly increase local solar electricity generation. Expanding solar installations on City-owned buildings, parking lots, and other suitable properties can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen energy resilience, lower long-term energy costs, and create economic opportunities. Any plan should be implemented with clear cost-benefit analysis, community engagement, and equitable access to ensure residents and businesses can participate in and benefit from the transition.

Question 2: Yes. I support Toronto Hydro undertaking a preliminary feasibility study on the potential locations, costs, benefits, environmental impacts, and community considerations associated with a Lake Ontario offshore wind farm. A study would provide the evidence needed to assess whether offshore wind can play a responsible role in Toronto’s long-term clean energy strategy while protecting environmental and community interests.