Toronto still has the authority to mandate new buildings meet certain climate and sustainability targets, according to a report from city staff, despite concerns those powers could be undercut by a recent Ontario law.

The report endorsed by the city’s executive committee on June 17 said there was no impact to the city’s ability to apply its green standard to new development under the recently passed Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act.

The city’s interpretation appears to be at odds with the province’s own position on the bill and underlines the confusion hanging over the fast-tracked legislation, some observers say.

The province has said the bill would prevent municipalities from setting standards beyond what’s already required in the provincial building code. Several environmental and industry groups have said that would appear to undercut parts of the green standard.