Environmental issues in Toronto

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Toronto faces several environmental problems that affect health, including air and water pollution and waste. Air pollution is found across the city, especially near busy highways and in downtown, putting people at greater risk for breathing problems and other illnesses. Water pollution affects Lake Ontario as well, with contaminants from sewage and industrial activity.

There have been real improvements. In 2014 Toronto did not have a smog alert for the first time in about 20 years, helped by closing coal-fired power plants and lower electricity use. Since 2000, air quality has improved: 53 smog days were recorded in 2005, while 2014 and 2015 had none. Fine particle pollution (PM2.5) fell by about 31%, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) fell by about 42%, though ozone remains a problem.

Traffic is the biggest local source of air pollution, followed by emissions from heating and cooling fuels. Pollution is especially high near highways and major intersections, where ultrafine particles can be several times the city average. NOx gases, which become NO2 in the air, contribute to smog, ozone, and acid rain. Smog alerts are issued when air is unhealthy and people are advised to limit outdoor activities.

Air toxic chemicals—like benzene, tetrachloroethylene (PERC), and lead—are present and can pose health risks with long exposure. Regulations now require dry cleaners to track how they use PERC.

Industry also contributes pollution. Sewage plants and other facilities release pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, chromium, mercury, and carbon dioxide. The Highland Creek Treatment Plant, which handles Scarborough’s sewage, is a large local polluter, emitting thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases daily. The city is considering upgrades, including how to manage biomass waste.

To better measure and reduce pollution, Toronto Public Health helped create an Environmental Reporting and Disclosure Bylaw. It requires businesses to track and report on 25 priority substances, and the ChemTRAC program helps companies identify and reduce chemical releases.

Water in Lake Ontario has pollutants from various sources, including PCBs, flame retardants, PAHs, PBDEs, pharmaceuticals, and harsh cleaning products. Some pollutants get into the lake even after wastewater treatment.

Waste management is another challenge. The Green Lane Landfill handles most of Toronto’s waste and is expected to last only a few more years. The city produced about 1 million tonnes of waste in 2013, roughly 15 pounds per person each week. A Long-Term Waste Strategy approved in 2016 aims to cut waste and increase recycling and reuse so less trash ends up in landfills.

Community groups like the Toronto Environmental Alliance and Greening Greater Toronto push for cleaner air, water, and energy efficiency, while the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority provides guidance and runs projects to protect natural resources.

Overall, Toronto has made progress in reducing pollution, but there is still work to do to keep air and water clean and to manage waste better.