PortsToronto has demonstrated how it’s helping to reduce its environmental impact in its 2015 Audited Financial Statements.
The Statements aim to demonstrate how the port authority is continuing its role as an investor in the infrastructure, community and economic performance of Toronto.
Geoffrey Wilson, CEO of PortsToronto, said: "Since 2009 we've invested more than CAN$8 million in community initiatives, charitable organisations, and environmental programmes that benefit the communities which we serve. It is these opportunities for reinvestment that are behind our efforts to work toward continued strong financial performance."
Of this more than CAN$8 million in community investments, CAN$5.6 million was dedicated to environmental initiatives, including the removal of millions of pounds of debris from Toronto's Harbour.
It also built fish and wildlife habitats at the Leslie Street Spit, and the construction of a new butterfly garden in an effort to increase biodiversity.
PortsToronto also continued to invest in measures that minimise the environmental impact of its businesses, such as purchasing 100% of its electric power from renewable sources, such as wind and hydro through Bullfrog Power. These efforts are detailed in PortsToronto's 2015 Sustainability Report.
In 2016, PortsToronto will continue to work on an important element of its long-term financial sustainability - a joint venture with Oxford Properties and OMERS/Canada Pension Plan to redevelop the 1.82 acre site on the southwest corner of Bay and Harbour streets (referred to as the 30 Bay development project.)
