Public services in Toronto

Public services in Toronto are helpful programs and tools that keep the city running well. These services are paid for by people who own homes in Toronto, money from the Government of Ontario and Government of Canada, or by larger government groups.

The Bloor and Gladstone branch of the Toronto Public Library, a public service operated by the City of Toronto government.

The money for these services is decided each year when the Toronto City Council votes on a plan called an operating budget. This budget helps decide how money is spent to make sure Toronto has clean streets, safe parks, good public transport, and many other important services for everyone.

Operational finances

The city of Toronto gets money for its services from different places. It receives money from the government of Ontario and the government of Canada, charges people for some services, and uses money saved in a special fund. The biggest source of money is property taxes.

The city spends most of its money on important services like police, fire, and transit. Other big expenses include social services, housing support, parks, and waste management.

Education

Main article: Education in Toronto

Head office for the Toronto District School Board, one of four public school boards that operate in the city.

Most students in Toronto go to public schools. These schools are run by different school boards that get money from the government. The Toronto District School Board is the biggest one. There are also other school boards, like the Toronto Catholic District School Board, and French school boards.

Toronto has several colleges, such as Seneca College and Humber College. There are famous places for learning, like the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Canadian Film Centre.

The University of Toronto is a big and important university. Other universities in the city include York University, OCAD University, and Toronto Metropolitan University. The city also has a big library system, with the Toronto Public Library being the largest in Canada.

Emergency services

Mounted officers of the Toronto Police Service, one of three emergency service providers operated by the municipal government.

Emergency services in Toronto include the Toronto Fire Services and the Toronto Paramedic Services. Toronto Fire Services helps put out fires and gives first emergency medical help. Toronto Paramedic Services gives emergency medical help, too. With the Toronto Police Service, they also have a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue unit. This is a special team for urban search and rescue.

Law enforcement

The Toronto Police Service is one of the oldest police departments in the world that uses English. This law enforcement agency is paid for by the city. It is one of the biggest costs in the city’s budget, just after public transit services.

Health

Main article: Health in Toronto

Further information: List of hospitals in Toronto

Bridgepoint Active Healthcare is a hospital located in Toronto.

Toronto has many health services because of the medical research done in the city. Hospitals are paid for by the provincial government, and also get money from the federal government, private sources, and donations.

Family doctors work in their own offices and are paid by the provincial government. Paramedic services are paid for by the city. There are also non-profit services for palliative care.

Recreation

Main article: Recreation in Toronto

Further information: List of Toronto parks and List of Toronto recreation centres

The Rouge National Urban Park is a national urban park in Toronto.

Toronto has many places for fun and activities. You can ride bikes, jog, or visit community centres, public squares, and parks. The Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division looks after many of these spots. They also run the Toronto Zoo and other public spaces like Nathan Phillips Square.

Some parks are looked after by the provincial and federal governments. For example, Rouge National Urban Park is a national urban park managed by Parks Canada.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Toronto

Further information: Lists of roads in Toronto and Toronto Transportation Services

Union Station is an intermodal transportation hub in Toronto.

Toronto has many ways to get around. The city takes care of the roads. Big highways are managed by the province. In winter, the city clears snow from roads and places it owns.

The main way people travel around the city is through the Toronto Transit Commission, or TTC. The city and passengers help pay for the TTC. Another service is GO Transit, which is run by Metrolinx, an agency of the Ontario government. Union Station in Downtown Toronto is a busy place where people can catch many types of transportation.

Waste management

Main article: Toronto Solid Waste Management

In Toronto, waste collection changes depending on where you live. West of Yonge Street, private companies pick up the waste. East of Yonge Street, city workers do it. This system began in Etobicoke and grew later. Some businesses and hospitals have their own special waste plans.

The city collects food waste using the green bin program. This food waste is processed at special places to make renewable natural gas. This gas will help power city vehicles in the future.

Water and wastewater

Further information: Toronto Works and Emergency Services

Toronto has a system that brings clean water to homes and businesses. It also cleans wastewater so it can be safely returned to the environment.