The City of Toronto is calling for Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop Community Energy Plans for Mayor’s Tower Renewal pilot sites.

“This is an important step forward for the Mayor’s Tower Renewal program that is designed to use energy efficiency work in high-rise residential buildings to rejuvenate neighbourhoods across Toronto,” said Mayor David Miller. “The project focuses on delivering social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits by renewing concrete high-rise residential towers.”

Built in the 1960s and 1970s, concrete slab apartment towers are found in cities around the world - from Chongqing to Chicago - with more than 1,000 located in Toronto.

Potential proponents familiar with the City’s sustainable development programs as well as community energy planning and building energy use are encouraged to submit a RFP. The deadline for submissions is noon on June 30, 2009.

The RFP vendor will conduct Community Energy Plan studies on the three privately owned sites that are participating in the Mayor’s Tower Renewal pilot project. These sites are located at:

• West: 2667 and 2677 Kipling Ave - Two 460 units, 23 floor buildings
• East: 215 Markham Rd - 192 units, 18 floors
• North: 175 Shaughnessy Blvd - 18 floors, 139 units.

An Expression of Interest process will be undertaken on the fourth pilot site, located at 200 Wellesley St E./275 Bleecker St - 771 units, 30 floors/322 units, 22 floors which is owned by Toronto Community Housing.

The Mayor’s Tower Renewal project relies on improving the performance of high-rise apartment buildings in a way that substantially reduces energy use while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Once the pilot is completed the roll out of the program is expected to benefit residents and businesses in achieving a sustainable future that includes a cleaner, more healthy environment, stronger communities, greater cultural awareness and activities, and enhanced local economic activity,  resulting in a greener, more liveable and prosperous Toronto.