July 5, 2016
With the start of the summer vacation period, the City of Toronto is encouraging residents to be sure that proper safety mechanisms such as window-safety latches and pool fences are in place to prevent tragedies, particularly involving children under age five.
For the protection of residents, City bylaws require the installation of window-safety devices on apartment windows that are more than two metres above the ground and are less than 1.5 metres from the apartment unit's floor – unless the window faces onto a balcony. The safety latches must prevent any part of the window from opening more than 10 centimetres.
Landlords, building owners and property managers have a responsibility to install and maintain window-safety latches in good working condition. A different device, such as a permanent guard/set of bars attached over the window, can be used if it provides the same degree of safety.
In addition, Toronto residents with private swimming pools, hot tubs or spas are required to safely maintain and operate them in compliance with 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 are 60 centimetres deep at any point. The enclosure can be a fence or wall and must restrict access to the structure. Gates must be self-closing with a latching mechanism at least 1.5 metres 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 to request 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. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit 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.
