Residents on Randolph Road in Toronto’s Leaside neighborhood are grappling with a rat invasion allegedly fueled by a neighbor who persists in feeding wildlife in her backyard. Jennifer King, a nearby resident, resorted to spending $3,000 on an exterminator to rid her home of the rats that had infiltrated her walls and attic, causing significant distress. Councilor Rachel Chernos Lin disclosed that a street resident faced charges for illegally feeding wildlife and is under investigation for property standards due to a garbage buildup in her yard.
Recent amendments to the city’s animal bylaw now prohibit feeding backyard wildlife, except for songbirds, following a surge in complaints. The city received over 3,000 complaints in 2023 and 2024 alone, highlighting the severity of the issue. City officials emphasized the adverse effects of leaving out food for wildlife, which can attract unintended animals like rodents, posing health and safety risks.
Jennifer King, a long-time resident of Randolph Road, experienced a sudden influx of rats earlier this year, with sightings of large rats roaming her backyard and causing damage to her property. Despite her efforts to address the issue with her neighbor, the feeding continued, aggravating the situation. The problem appears to be confined to a couple of blocks on Randolph Road, sparking concerns among residents about health implications and property damage.
Despite concerted efforts by residents, including a signed letter urging the neighbor to cease feeding wildlife, the situation remains unresolved. Councilor Chernos Lin highlighted the potential penalties for violating the bylaw, including hefty fines, emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents to the city authorities. Concerns about the rats’ presence persist, with worries about the upcoming warmer months potentially exacerbating the situation.
As the community grapples with the rat infestation issue, communication among neighbors is crucial to prevent such disputes from escalating. Councilor Chernos Lin advised residents to report incidents to the city promptly, underscoring the need for collective action to address neighborhood challenges effectively. In cases of unresolved conflicts, the city may intervene by providing mediation services to facilitate resolution.
