Toronto's proposed rat reduction plan passes 1st hurdle, could come into effect in 2026
Plan must now be reviewed by city council before final approval
Toronto's proposed rat response plan is one step closer to being implemented after a municipal committee unanimously approved the plan Wednesday.
The new plan brought forward by city staff focuses on ways to reduce the use of rodenticides, such as eliminating food and shelter, as well as opting for the use of gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide for rat control.
Davenport Coun. Alejandra Bravo said that the plan will need coordination across city departments in order to be effective.
"Rats are pests and they require an interdivisional approach to deal with and to manage," Bravo said during the meeting for the economic and community development committee.
Bravo also said climate change has allowed rat mating season to be all year, making Toronto's rat problem worse and worse.
"We are talking about a single pair of rats being able to produce hundreds of offspring," she said.
Additionally, the plan outlines a strengthening of municipal services to improve cleanliness in urban areas and a coordinated rat management response that prioritizes hot spots.
But it does not entirely eliminate the use of rodenticides — a source of contention among some speakers at the committee.
Allison Hansen, campaign director at Rodenticide Free Ontario, told the committee she lost a pet after it accidentally ingested rat poison.
"Pesticides are dangerous," Hansen said, adding that they should be a "temporary and last resort."
The plan will now make its way to city council for final approval later this month. If approved, it could take effect next year.