Toronto’s proposed rat attack plan faces 1st hurdle
Toronto municipal committee to review new rat control plan
A Toronto municipal committee is scheduled to discuss a newly-proposed rat control plan on Wednesday. Last month, city manager Paul Johnson unveiled his response to the city’s increasing rat problem. The plan emphasizes collaboration between different city departments and focuses on eliminating food and shelter for rats rather than exterminating them.
According to Johnson’s plan, efforts to eradicate rats often result in short-term fixes that fail to address the root causes of the issue. He believes that high-quality municipal service delivery is more effective in addressing the problem. The plan was developed in response to rising complaints from residents, who have been dealing with a growing rat population due to factors such as construction projects releasing rats into neighborhoods.
If the economic and community development committee approves the plan, it will be presented to city council for a final decision before potential implementation next year.
Rat infestations have long been a challenge for Toronto residents and businesses, with a noticeable increase in recent years. In 2019, the city received 940 rodent-related service requests, which rose to 1,600 by 2023 after a brief decline during the pandemic. A recent study also highlighted a growing rat population in Toronto and other cities worldwide, attributing the increase to climate change and recommending the establishment of dedicated response teams.
Key components of the city’s rat control plan include the creation of a team to coordinate efforts across various city divisions involved in rat management. This team will require an initial investment of $351,000 to hire two new staff members, with an additional $150,000 annually allocated for public communication and staff training on rat management.
The plan also involves advising private developers and transit projects led by Metrolinx on preventing rats from migrating to neighboring properties during construction. Toronto-Danforth Coun. Paula Fletcher has emphasized the importance of involving Metrolinx in the city’s approach, citing complaints from constituents about rats near the Ontario Line construction site.
While the city cannot impose rat-related conditions on Metrolinx or private building permits, proactive advising is seen as an effective strategy to prevent infestations. By collaborating with various city divisions and external partners, Toronto aims to address its rat problem comprehensively and proactively.
