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 that require help from police, ambulance, or fire services.

Use the webpages “Toronto at Your Service” at toronto.ca/311 for easy access to information about the range of City services and programs. 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. 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. Try the WasteWizard app--it's handy and informative.
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	Save 911 for emergency help, but call the local police station about other problems. Citizen Online Reporting Entries (CORE): use online forms to report break-and-enter, car theft, illegal parking, wrong-way driving
Property Issues	report noise, graffiti, vandalism report lack of property 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 learn about programs to improve sidewalks and increase green spaces (Green Streets)
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 new useful number: 811 is now the number to call when you want information or advice on a health issue that’s not an emergency. Health811 has replaced Telehealth Ontario. A call or online chat connects you with a registered nurse, and the website will help you find a family doctor or nurse practitioner for continuing care. Other links take you to a symptom assessment tool and a library for explanation of medical terms.

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 District Catholic 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’ Organization (a U of T page)
• Kensington Market Action Committee
• Palmerston Area Residents’ Association (PARA)
• Seaton Village Residents’ Association 

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