How Toronto Can Save $800K Annually by Installing Wildlife‑Control Fencing in Key FSAs
How Toronto Can Save $800,000 Annually by Installing Wildlife‑Control Fencing in Key FSAs
The City of Toronto could reduce an estimated $800,000 per year in 311 Toronto call centre costs by making a one‑time capital investment of $4.3–$6.6 million (materials‑only) to install proper metal fencing along high‑risk public green‑space borders. This fencing would mirror the successful installations already in place in High Park in Toronto’s Bloor West Village neighbourhood.
This conclusion is based on a detailed analysis of 14 years of 311 Toronto Customer Initiated Service Request data, with a focus on Animal Services–related complaints such as coyote sightings and wildlife conflicts.
Executive Summary: Toronto Metal Fencing Plan & 311 Animal Services Call Analysis
Excel tools for faster civic data analysis
Rising Wildlife Complaints in Specific Toronto FSAs
A review of long‑term 311 Toronto data shows that Animal Services complaints have increased sharply in specific Forward Sortation Areas (FSAs) across the city. These FSAs share a common characteristic: direct, unfenced borders with major natural corridors, including:
Humber River
Don River
Toronto Lakeshore
Downsview Park
For readers who want to explore the underlying data, the full time‑series segmentation analysis is available here: 2010–2024 Time Series Segmentation Analysis: 311 Toronto Customer Initiated Service Requests Within FSA and Division (includes downloadable Microsoft Excel workbook).
33 FSAs Identified With Unfenced Wildlife Corridors
The investigation identified 33 Toronto FSAs that currently have unfenced boundaries along these major green spaces. In total, these unfenced borders represent approximately:
79 km of open access between wildlife habitats and adjacent neighbourhoods
The highest concentration of Animal Services complaints recorded in the city
Urban wildlife research consistently shows that increased sightings and conflict reports often correlate with habitat disruption—for example, when tree cover or natural shelter is reduced due to development. Installing fencing in these areas would help reduce wildlife movement into residential zones while supporting targeted habitat restoration efforts.
Coyote sightings or encounters can be reported by contacting 311 Toronto
10 Tips for Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Wildlife Proof Your Home and Lawn
How Generative AI Helped Model the Costs and Benefits
Using Microsoft Copilot, a detailed 10‑page report was developed outlining:
Key assumptions behind the fencing strategy
Estimated materials‑only capital costs
Expected reductions in 311 Toronto call centre workload
Long‑term cost savings and operational benefits
A short, four‑question conversation with Copilot helped refine the assumptions and produce realistic cost estimates for a city‑wide fencing initiative.
A Targeted Fencing Strategy Could Reduce 311 Toronto Animal Services Costs
Based on the data, a fencing and habitat‑development initiative focused on the 33 highest‑risk FSAs could significantly reduce the volume of Animal Services complaints submitted to 311 Toronto. With annual call‑centre savings estimated at $800,000, the investment could pay for itself within a few years while improving public safety and reducing human‑wildlife conflict.