Executive Summary: Toronto Metal Fencing Plan & 311 Animal Services Call Analysis

 

Executive Summary: Toronto Metal Fencing Plan & 311 Animal Services Call Analysis

This post summarizes a proposed City of Toronto fencing project and the operational costs of 311 Animal Services calls.

Learn About Wildlife in the City of Toronto

Toronto Metal Fencing Project: Scope, Cost, and Urban Impact

Toronto is planning to install steel mesh fencing with pressure-treated wooden posts along the boundaries of key urban features: the Humber River, Don River, Downsview Park, and the lakeshore. The project covers approximately 79 kilometers, with detailed cost estimates for both basic and enhanced fence specifications.

Key Specifications:

  • Fence height: 4 feet (1.22 meters)
  • Post spacing: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
  • Materials: Steel mesh, pressure-treated wooden posts, concrete footings, galvanized hardware
  • Optional: Top rail for added durability

Estimated Costs (Materials Only):

  • Without top rail: $3.7M–$5.7M
  • With top rail: $4.3M–$6.6M
  • Costs scale with length; breakdowns provided for each feature.

Next Steps:

  • GIS mapping for precise boundary measurements
  • Confirm fence specs (mesh type, post dimensions, coatings, top rail)
  • Identify and exclude un-fenceable segments for accurate budgeting

Toronto 311 Animal Services Calls: Volume, Cost, and Community Impact

Toronto’s 311 call center receives 1.2–1.4 million calls annually, with 40,000–50,000 calls (3–4%) related to Animal Services. Each call costs $11–$16, totaling $500,000–$750,000 per year for Animal Services alone. Toronto 311 Service Request Trends (2010–2024): A Time‑Series Analysis by FSA and Division has the dataset used for the analysis.

Main Categories of Animal Services Calls:

  • Barking/noise complaints (largest category)
  • Stray or injured animals (second largest)
  • Dogs at large/off-leash in parks
  • Licensing and bylaw enforcement
  • Dead animals on public property

Why This Matters:

  • High call volumes affect city budgets and resource allocation
  • Toronto is promoting digital platforms (311 app, online services) to reduce costs and improve efficiency, while maintaining accessibility for residents who need phone support.

Conclusion

Toronto’s fencing initiative and 311 Animal Services call analysis demonstrate the city’s commitment to public safety, efficient resource management, and modern service delivery. By understanding the costs and operational impacts, Toronto residents and policymakers can make informed decisions about future investments and improvements.