Rats, beware: Toronto outlines new plan to attack its growing rodent problem
Toronto is facing a growing rat problem, with major construction projects and climate change contributing to the increase in rodent populations. City manager Paul Johnson has proposed a rat response plan that focuses on environmental changes to minimize conditions that allow rats to thrive. The plan will be presented to the economic and community development committee on July 9.
Coun. Alejandra Bravo, who advocated for the creation of the strategy, has been hearing from families living near construction sites who have been impacted by rats. One mother reported a rat jumping onto her daughter’s bed in the middle of the night, highlighting the distressing impact on families.
The city’s infrastructure committee directed the city manager and medical officer of health to develop a rat response plan by this summer. If approved, the plan will include a response coordination team and enforcement table to lead inspection and enforcement blitzes.
As part of the plan, the city will need to hire an associate director and a project coordinator starting in 2026, costing $351,000, with an additional $150,000 annually for public communication and staff training on rat management. A study from global rodent and public health scientists found that global warming is driving rising rat populations, making it crucial for Toronto to address the issue.
Toronto is looking to other North American cities like New York City and Chicago for guidance on rat reduction strategies. The plan aims to bring Toronto in line with these cities, which have coordinated approaches to managing rat populations. Bravo emphasized the mental health toll and financial burden of rat infestations on residents and businesses.
In light of concerns about rodent infestations around construction sites, Coun. Paula Fletcher has called on Metrolinx to implement rodent mitigation measures for the Ontario Line subway construction. Residents have reported disruptions and difficulties accessing pest control services. Metrolinx is formalizing efforts for a rodent management plan to address these issues and ensure the health and well-being of residents near construction sites.
Overall, Toronto’s rat response plan aims to address the growing rat problem in the city by implementing environmental changes, coordination teams, and enforcement measures to manage rat populations effectively. By taking proactive steps to mitigate rat infestations, Toronto can create a safer and healthier environment for its residents.
