OSPE Submits Engineering Priorities for Toronto’s 2026 Budget

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has filed recommendations to the City of Toronto for the 2026 Budget, focused on practical steps that improve outcomes, protect public health, and advance climate goals. As the advocacy body for Ontario’s engineering community, OSPE champions evidence-based, sustainable, and technically sound policy. 

1) Adopt Qualifications-Based Selection: Buy on expertise, not the lowest bid 

OSPE urges Toronto to adopt Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) as the standard for procuring professional engineering and design services.

• Why it matters: QBS prioritizes competence, relevant experience, and innovation over price alone. It delivers better project outcomes, lower life-cycle costs, fewer change orders, and greater alignment with the city’s goals for safety, sustainability, and value for money. 

2) Make clean air a baseline in Toronto Community Housing 

We recommend targeted investments to upgrade ventilation and filtration across Toronto Community Housing (TCH), prioritizing older buildings and vulnerable residents. 

• Why it matters: Poor indoor air quality contributes to illness and higher health costs; many buildings have outdated HVAC systems and insufficient filtration. 

• OSPE’s recommendation: Fund pilot retrofits using energy-efficient solutions (e.g., MERV 13+ filtration, heat-recovery ventilation), and partner with engineers to design cost-effective, scalable upgrades. 

3) Scale low-carbon heat: Expand district energy 

OSPE encourages continued investment in district energy systems in growth centres, new developments, and support for the decarbonization of existing networks. 

• Why it matters: District energy systems can integrate renewables and waste heat, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, improving grid resilience, and creating skilled jobs. 

• OSPE’s recommendation: Include district energy systems in planning and zoning, and back capital upgrades like electrification and thermal storage. 

Toronto’s 2026 Budget is an opportunity to highlight the value that engineering expertise delivers to civic infrastructure and communities. By adopting QBS, upgrading indoor air quality in Toronto Community Housing, and advancing district energy systems, Toronto can deliver long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits. OSPE and Ontario’s engineers are eager to collaborate with Council and staff on implementation details, pilot projects, and measurable outcomes.