Activities of the GTA Clean Air Council
The GTA-CAC has evolved into a unique and effective forum for all levels of government operational in the GTA to tackle smog within their respective spheres of operations and jurisdiction. The GTA-CAC undertakes activities that also reach businesses and the public in the communities represented by the Council. Some examples include annual community forums that highlight success stories from community groups and industries, and public efforts such as the 2003 GTA-wide Idle-Free Campaign as well as the 20/20 The Way to Clean Air program. By facilitating networking and peer teaching and by communicating the lessons learned to a wider audience, the GTA-CAC makes a vital contribution to smog reduction and building capacity to address local air quality.
Smog Summit and Inter-governmental Declarations on Clean Air
The Smog Summit is an annual gathering of representatives from industry, the community and all levels of government in the GTA. Aimed at developing initiatives to reduce air pollution, the Summit encourages members to showcase their commitment to clean air initiatives by signing an Inter-governmental Declaration on Clean Air. This Declaration sets the stage for ongoing dialogue and the pursuit of solutions by all levels of government in the GTA, committing them to report progress publicly at future annual summits. The Smog Summits are held in June of every year and continue to evolve as new initiatives are proposed and previous commitments are fulfilled.
GTA-CAC meetings
Representatives of member jurisdictions of the GTA-CAC meet monthly during the year to develop the Declaration, plan and implement Smog Summits, and follow-up on initiatives announced at the Smog Summit. Meetings are intended to be a forum for discussion and sharing of information. They are hosted primarily by the City of Toronto, but other members are encouraged to host meetings in their jurisdictions. Meetings are organized by CAP and co-moderated by CAP and the City of Toronto.
GTA-CAC workshops and reports
The GTA-CAC promotes clean air initiatives and smog reduction best practices through workshops, pilot initiatives, and reports on critical issues and other activities to support information sharing, networking and the promotion of best practices.
Inventory of clean air initiatives
Governments' Actions on Clean Air in the GTA is a comprehensive inventory of clean air initiatives undertaken by members of the GTA-CAC. This inventory is intended to be a living document and is periodically updated as new initiatives are developed and as additional GTA-CAC members and associate members are identified.
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