Useful Links

The lists below will give you a sense of the public services available to Harbord Village residents. This page covers only a selection. Use the links to find out more. (For information about recreational and social opportunities provided by groups other than HVRA, see our related webpage Other Local Groups.)

Elected Government Representatives

City of Toronto

• Call 911 for emergencies.
  
• Use the webpages “Toronto at Your Service” at toronto.ca/311 for easy access to information about the range of City services, programs and information. Use the “search” line to try out terms for what you want and get instant answers about where to look next. (The table below on this page also suggests pages with specialized information.)
• Call 311 (TTY 416 338-0889) for the fastest way to get information, request a service or report a problem. Phone lines are open 24/7 and 365 days a year, with helpful agents who can provide assistance in more than 180 languages. Agents will direct your request to the appropriate department and assign a service request number so you can then email a photo to 311@toronto.ca or check later on the progress of your request.
• Or use one of the web forms on toronto.ca/311 to report problems or request services. You will be guided through choices of labels for your issue. Note your service request number so you can then email a photo to 311@toronto.ca or track progress on a request.
• The mobile app 311Toronto is hard to navigate, but once you’ve learned how it works you can register a request and include a photo at the same time. It promises a response within 3 business days, faster than the other 311 methods. Download the app to your smartphone through the AppStore or GooglePlay.

The table below names a few of the services provided by the City, showing official department names and examples of what you can ask for. Click on the green links and explore the departmental websites to find more services and ways to access them.

CATEGORY	SELECTED EXAMPLES
Animal Services	request emergency response (lost pets, animals in distress) report wildlife find out about licenses
Garbage and Recycling	missed pickup, damaged bin hazardous waste, large items, electronics how to reduce waste, donate, buy 2ndhand
Housing and Shelter	homeless shelters, meals, clothing, dropin, housing help people in crisis, call Toronto Distress Centre 416-408-HELP (4357)
Police Emergency 911 Non-Emergency, 14 Division 416 808-2222	Citizen Online Reporting Entries (CORE): use online forms to report break-and-enter, car theft, illegal parking, wrong-way driving NEW: For driving offences, if you can supply evidence such as exact time, location, and photographs, the police will send letters to offending drivers.
Property Issues	report noise, graffiti, vandalism lack of maintenance
Rental Housing	rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords organizations that support tenants
Streets, Parking, Transportation	buy street parking permits report potholes, damaged curbs request cleaning of catchbasin or road surface
Water	report leaking water line report basement drain backup

Province of Ontario

The website at ontario.ca/page/government-ontario outlines the range of services provided provincially. Dial 211 for information and help on programs and services such as health care, income support, and disabilities. You can also search www.211ontario.ca to find what is offered.

A particularly useful number: Telehealth Ontario, 1 866-797-0000. Use it when you want information or advice on a health issue that’s not an emergency.

Government of Canada

The website at www.canada.ca provides an inclusive search function and offers quick access to information about the most requested services—Canada Post, Employment Insurance, Income Tax, etc.

Other Services and Organizations

Governmental

• Liquor Licencing Authority, Toronto, or toll free in Ontario
• Property Tax Assessment Review
• Toronto District School Board
• Toronto Hydro
• TTC

Local Associations

• Annex Residents’ Association
• Bloor Annex Business Improvement Association
• Federation of South Toronto Residents’ Associations (FoSTRA)
• Harbord Street Business Improvement Association
• Huron-Sussex Residents’ Association
• Kensington Market Business Improvement Association
• Palmerston Area Residents Association (PARA)
• Seaton Village Residents’ Association (new Facebook page)

Local Legal Services

• Downtown Legal Services
• Kensington-Bellwoods Community Legal Services

Rental Issues

• Renting in Ontario: Your Rights
• Toronto Tenants Resources
• Self-Help Resources for Small Landlords