Canadian Beacons

Like many of their American counterparts, Canadian municipalities aren't waiting for their federal government to act on environmental issues, and are taking some bold initiatives of their own to reduce resource consumption and pollution.

1 minute read

April 25, 2007, 5:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley


"Leaf Rapids [Manitoba] banned plastic bags. Low-flow toilets and shower heads are mandatory in new homes in Okotoks, Alberta. The mayor of Aurora, [Ontario], is calling for clotheslines to reduce dependence on dryers. A Toronto city councilor is trying to ban leafblowers, and Hamilton is considering banning more drive-thrus."

"From pesticide and anti-idling bylaws to taxing parking lots to pay for public transit, municipalities across Canada are taking the environmental lead amid growing public concern over global warming."

"While the federal government dithers on the country's climate-change strategy, the City of Toronto has pledged to slash greenhouse gas emissions by six per cent in five years, 30 per cent in the next 13 years and 80 per cent by 2050."

"In one of the most radical measures, the town of Okotoks, 18 kilometres south of Calgary, is one of the first communities in the world to limit its population and boundaries based on what the surrounding environment can sustain: about 30,000 people. Now at 18,500 people and the second-fastest growing municipality in Canada, with its population leaping by almost 50 per cent from 2001 to 2006, Okotoks expects to reach its limit in five to eight years."

Saturday, April 21, 2007 in The Vancouver Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

5 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

3 hours ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

4 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive