July 31, 2015
The City of Toronto encourages residents to be responsible during warmer weather and ensure proper safety mechanisms such as window safety latches and pool fences are in place to prevent tragedies, particularly with children under five.
For the protection of Toronto residents, City of Toronto bylaws require window safety devices to be installed on apartment windows that do not lead to a balcony and are more than two metres (six feet) above the ground and are less than 1.5 metres (about five feet) from the unit floor. The safety devices must prevent any part of the window from opening more than 10 centimetres (about four inches).
It is the responsibility of the landlord, building owner or property manager to install and maintain the window safety devices in good working condition. A different device, such as a permanent guard attached over the window, can be used as long as it provides the same degree of safety.
City of Toronto bylaws also require owners of a private swimming pool, hot tub or spa to safely maintain and operate them in compliance with all City bylaws.
A swimming pool enclosure is required for all outdoor structures on private property that can be used for swimming, wading or bathing, and that is 60 centimetres (about two feet) or more deep at any point. The enclosure can be a fence or wall and must restrict access to the structure. Gates in the enclosure must be self-closing with a latching mechanism that is at least 1.5 metres (about five feet) above the ground. Hot tubs and spas that do not have an enclosure must have a permanent cover that can be securely fastened and locked to prevent access while not in use.
Residents with concerns about safety latches or pool fences can contact 311 for further information or for a Municipal Standards Officer to conduct an investigation.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit
http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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Media contact: Tammy Robbinson, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3761, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
