Urban heat is a growing threat, exacerbating health risks and inequality. Arup’s UHeat tool provides data-driven solutions to mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, with case studies like Toronto showcasing strategies for resilience through green infrastructure, retrofitting, and equitable urban design for cooler, healthier cities.

The City of Toronto welcomed more than 300 green infrastructure professionals on November 6 to 9 for the 20th anniversary of the CitiesAlive conference. The conference highlights green infrastructure design, research, policy and innovation from across the world. 

Toronto is leading the way in green infrastructure, integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning. From green roofs to the Green Streets Program, the city’s innovative policies enhance climate resilience and improve community well-being, setting a model for sustainable urban development.

Providing estimates of the monetary benefits of improved health outcomes contributes to better decision making on resource allocation using multiple examples from Ontario municipalities.

As Toronto co-hosts the 20th Anniversary of CitiesAlive in November, this article chronicles the early policy steps taken by the City to mandate and incentivize green roofs, now covering more than 10 million sf of roof area.