Ontario Line

Ontario Line Pest Management Strategy

Introduction

Ontario Line is a transformative transit project that extends through some of Toronto’s most vibrant and densely populated neighbourhoods. As with all major projects, construction activities such as excavation, tunnelling, and demolition inevitably disturb existing ecosystems, including rodent habitats. Without appropriate controls, these disturbances can result in displaced pests, increased sightings in nearby communities, and public health risks.

Pest migration from construction sites into surrounding neighbourhoods is not simply a nuisance or a localized inconvenience. It can create public health concerns, contribute to unsanitary conditions, damage private property, and disrupt local businesses and institutions. It can also undermine community confidence in Ontario Line delivery and increase the volume of complaints and escalations. If not addressed proactively, pest impacts may attract regulatory attention, increase liability exposure, and introduce avoidable cost and schedule pressures for the project.

This Pest Management Strategy establishes a structured, transparent, and proactive framework for managing pest risks associated with Ontario Line construction. Consistent with Metrolinx’s commitment to public safety and community well-being, the plan outlines preventive measures, monitoring requirements, clear roles and responsibilities, and coordinated actions with contractors and municipal partners. Although pest activity is a predictable by-product of large-scale construction, this plan ensures that impacts are minimized and addressed quickly.

Purpose

The purpose of this Pest Management Strategy is to establish a consistent, project-wide framework for preventing, monitoring, and responding to pest risks associated with Ontario Line construction. The plan sets clear expectations for contractors within construction limits and defines Metrolinx’s role in coordinating off-site response when pest activity is observed in the surrounding community.

This plan recognizes that pest management is inherently complex, particularly in an urban environment where pests can move through shared infrastructure and across property boundaries. Contractor obligations apply within the construction limits and are enforceable through the contract. Once pests migrate beyond those limits, responsibility for response becomes less direct. In those circumstances, Metrolinx will coordinate reasonable support measures within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer and, where warranted, may expand beyond that boundary based on context and impacts.

Limitations and assumptions are an important part of this plan. Pest management cannot eliminate all pest activity, and it cannot guarantee pest-free conditions beyond the construction limits. While Metrolinx will provide additional support within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer when credible construction-related pest migration is reported, the ability to act outside contractor-controlled areas depends on access, consent from property owners or occupants, and other practical constraints.

This is a living document and will be refined as construction progresses, lessons are learned, and standards and practices evolve.

Scope and Definitions

This plan applies to all Ontario Line construction activities where construction activities, including, but not limited to, demolition, excavation, shoring, utility work, or similar disturbance has the potential to displace rodents or other pests from existing habitat. The primary focus is rodent management, as rodent displacement presents the most common pathway for migration into adjacent properties, and carries public health, reputational, and operational risk. Where other pests are identified as a material issue, the same principles of prevention, housekeeping, monitoring, and timely response apply.

For the purposes of this plan, the following definitions are used:

• Construction limits: The physical boundary of contractor-controlled work areas, including hoarded or fenced zones, laydown areas, and any other spaces under the contractor’s care, custody, and control.
• Transit Corridor Lands Buffer: Transit Corridor Lands plus the additional 30 metre buffer as defined in the Building Transit Faster Act. This term is used throughout this plan as the standard area within which Metrolinx will generally coordinate off-site support measures when pest migration is credibly linked to construction activity. Also known as the Metrolinx Zone of Influence, a map of properties within the area can be found using Metrolinx’s Third Party Coordination & Permitting App.
• Off-site support: Pest management measures coordinated by Metrolinx beyond the construction limits.
• Licensed pest management professional: A qualified and appropriately licensed pest control provider retained by the contractor or Metrolinx to deliver inspection, monitoring, and treatment services in accordance with applicable legislation and industry standards.

Commitment to Public Health

Protecting public health is a core priority for Metrolinx. This plan reflects a commitment to preventing pest migration where possible, maintaining well-managed construction sites that do not attract or harbour pests, and responding quickly and transparently when issues arise in adjacent communities.

Metrolinx will deliver this commitment by:

• Setting clear expectations for contractor housekeeping, waste management, treatment, and monitoring within construction limits.
• Requiring proactive pre-construction assessment and abatement measures to reduce the likelihood of displacement.
• Verifying compliance through contractor reporting, field observation, and proactive site reviews to confirm appropriate controls, good housekeeping, and adherence to the approved Pest Management Plan, and directing corrective action where contractor obligations are not being met.
• Coordinating a timely and practical response when pest activity is reported beyond construction limits, recognizing that off-site outcomes depend on multiple factors and enforcement tools are limited.
• Working collaboratively with the City of Toronto (the City) to support coordinated awareness and response, particularly where vulnerable users, sensitive locations, or persistent neighbourhood conditions warrant an aligned approach.
• Maintaining open, consistent communication with the community, including clear channels for reporting concerns and regular updates on actions taken.

Metrolinx recognizes that pest management is complex in a dense urban environment, and that pests can migrate through shared infrastructure or move across property boundaries in ways that are difficult to predict or control. This plan intends to reduce the likelihood of migration, respond quickly when issues arise, and demonstrate practical due diligence within the limits of available tools and jurisdiction.

Approach

Ontario Line construction can disturb existing pest habitats and, if unmanaged, can lead to displacement into surrounding neighbourhoods. Metrolinx’s approach is to embed practical prevention and response measures into project delivery, with clear expectations for contractor performance on site and coordinated actions led by Metrolinx when issues arise beyond construction limits.

This plan is built on four core principles:

• Proactive Prevention: Focus on early assessment, abatement, housekeeping, and site controls to reduce the likelihood of pest displacement before disruptive work begins.
• Coordinated Response: Align actions between contractors, Metrolinx, and the City to ensure that concerns are addressed quickly and consistently.
• Accountability: Maintain clear responsibilities and documentation. Contractor obligations are managed through contractual requirements for on-site controls and reporting. Where pest activity extends beyond construction limits, Metrolinx will coordinate practical support measures and communications, recognizing the limits of enforcement once pests migrate off-site.
• Continuous Improvement: Use reporting, field observations, and lessons learned to refine requirements, strengthen practices, and improve outcomes over time.

This approach prioritizes prevention, timely response, and transparency to protect public health, minimizing community impacts, and maintaining confidence in Ontario Line delivery.

Goals and Objectives

Effective pest management requires clear goals that guide planning, contractor performance, community response, and ongoing oversight. The following goals and objectives establish the foundation of this plan and serve as benchmarks for implementing controls, coordinating with partners, and maintaining accountability across all phases of construction.

1. Prioritize Public Health: Adopt a prevention-first approach that reduces the likelihood of pest displacement and limits public exposure to pests and related health concerns.
2. Minimize Community Impacts: Reduce the potential for pest migration into surrounding neighbourhoods by maintaining strong on-site controls and providing timely support measures when off-site concerns are identified.
3. Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Meet applicable municipal property standards and waste management requirements and align actions with City and Public Health expectations.
4. Support Operational Efficiency: Integrate pest management into construction planning and site operations to avoid preventable disruptions, maintain consistent site conditions, and reduce the likelihood of escalations.
5. Promote Transparency and Accountability: Maintain clear roles, consistent documentation, and responsive communication, ensuring that concerns are tracked, addressed, and used to improve performance over time.

Roles and Responsibilities

Effective pest management depends on clear accountability and coordinated execution across Metrolinx, contractors, and municipal partners. Responsibilities are structured using a typical Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed approach (RACI), recognizing that enforceable obligations apply primarily within construction limits, and that off-site outcomes require coordinated action rather than direct enforcement.

Metrolinx (Accountable & Responsible)

• Sets the project-wide pest management requirements and minimum standards.
• Reviews and accepts contractor Pest Management Plans and reporting protocols.
• Verifies compliance through contractor reporting, field observation, and proactive site reviews.
• Leads community communication, complaint intake, and coordination of off-site support measures within a defined area of influence.
• Coordinates with the City where issues extend beyond the construction limits or involve sensitive uses.

Contractors (Responsible)

• Engage licensed pest control professionals and prepare site-specific Pest Management Plans.
• Implement on-site prevention, housekeeping, treatment, monitoring, and documentation in accordance with the approved plan and contract requirements.
• Maintain pest management logs and provide required updates to Metrolinx, including weekly reporting during active works.
• Address non-compliance or emerging issues promptly and implement corrective actions when directed by Metrolinx.

City of Toronto (Consulted & Informed)

• Provides regulatory and permitting guidance and best practices as required, including coordination related to waste management, property standards, and site interface matters in accordance with the City’s Rat Response Plan.
• Provides public health guidance and technical input as required, including advice related to sensitive populations, health risk considerations, and appropriate response measures.
• Supports coordinated response where community impacts are broader, persistent, or involve higher sensitivity locations.
• Leads enforcement under municipal bylaws within the City’s jurisdiction.

With the above in mind, Metrolinx will generally coordinate off-site support measures within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, with flexibility to extend based on observed conditions, complaint volume, or sensitivity of adjacent land uses. Where contractor obligations are being met on site, and pest activity is reported beyond construction limits, Metrolinx will lead a practical, coordinated response with the contractor and municipal partners, recognizing the limits of direct enforcement once pests migrate into the community.

Regulatory Framework

Pest management activities associated with Ontario Line construction must comply with applicable municipal and provincial requirements and must align with established public health expectations for urban pest prevention and control.

This plan is grounded in the City’s property standards requirements, which obligate property owners and occupiers to maintain lands and buildings in a condition that is free of rodent infestation and supported by appropriate waste management practices. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory for all Ontario Line construction sites.

In addition to municipal requirements, Metrolinx incorporates industry best practices into contractor obligations to strengthen prevention, monitoring, and housekeeping in a dense urban environment. Where professional pest control services are required, contractors must use licensed pest management professionals and maintain documentation demonstrating that treatments and inspections were completed in accordance with applicable standards and product directions.

Metrolinx will coordinate with the City as needed to support a unified response where pest activity affects the surrounding community, particularly in locations with sensitive land uses or heightened public concern.

Mitigation Strategies

Mitigation strategies are applied across all phases of Ontario Line delivery and are intended to prevent pest activity where possible, reduce the likelihood of displacement, and ensure timely response when issues arise.

This plan recognizes two practical boundaries of responsibility. Contractors are responsible for implementing pest controls and housekeeping within construction limits, consistent with their approved Pest Management Plan and contractual obligations. Where pest activity is observed beyond construction limits, Metrolinx will coordinate additional supports within a defined area of influence, using the designated Transit Corridor Land Buffer. Metrolinx may extend support beyond this area in special circumstances, based on observed conditions, sensitivity of adjacent land uses, and the nature and persistence of the issue.

Within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, Metrolinx may coordinate practical supports to help mitigate reported pest migration. The type and extent of support will be determined based on observed conditions, the nature and persistence of the concern, and the sensitivity of adjacent land uses. Available supports may include:

• Voluntary pest proofing inspection and recommendations for residents and businesses
• Targeted professional inspection, and where warranted, localized treatment in areas affected by migration
• Enhanced monitoring activity and follow-up visits for a defined period
• Additional on-site measures requested of the contractor to reduce attractants and harbourage, where site conditions indicate a likely source
• Coordination with the City where broader neighbourhood conditions or sensitive uses warrant an aligned response

Metrolinx support measures are provided on a “best-efforts” basis, and are subject to site conditions, available access, and consent from property owners or occupants when private property is involved. Where access is not available, Metrolinx will focus on practicable measures within its control and may coordinate with the City, as appropriate.

Pre-Construction Phase

The pre-construction phase is the most critical opportunity to prevent pest displacement. Proactive assessment and abatement before excavation or demolition significantly reduce the likelihood of pests migrating into nearby neighbourhoods.

Implementation depends on integrating pest management planning with construction staging and schedule. Contractors are expected to coordinate pest management timing with demolition and excavation sequencing, temporary works, hoarding, and waste management plans to reduce habitat disturbance and avoid creating new harbourage. In general, Metrolinx and contractors should:

• Include pest management considerations in look-ahead planning, including how changes in staging or sequencing may affect displacement risk.
• Coordinate utility and civil works that open new pathways, such as service penetrations and trenches, with pest-proofing and temporary sealing measures.
• Escalate early where schedule constraints may compress abatement periods, so that mitigation measures can be adjusted in a practical manner.

The following outlines the general responsibilities of each party.

Contractor responsibilities (on-site)

• Engage a licensed pest management professional to complete a pre-construction pest assessment and prepare a site-specific Pest Management Plan.
• Submit the Pest Management Plan to Metrolinx for review, including timelines, methods, and monitoring protocols.
• Implement baiting and extermination a minimum of 15 days prior to demolition or excavation, and maintain follow-up servicing and adjustments before the site is disturbed. This minimum period provides time for initial treatment, verification of activity reduction, and at least one servicing cycle to adjust placement based on observed conditions.
• Remove debris, waste, and vegetation that provide harbourage or food sources for rodents.
• Seal site hoarding, openings, and service penetrations to reduce pest movement.
• Maintain documentation of all abatement activities and provide progress updates to Metrolinx.

Metrolinx responsibilities (off-site and oversight)

• Coordinate community notifications so residents understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to access support.
• Engage pest management professionals to perform additional assessments or localized support where warranted on adjacent public lands and, where access is granted, on residential and commercial properties within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer.
• Distribute educational materials and guidance so residents and businesses understand what to expect, how to reduce attractants, how to report concerns, and what supports Metrolinx can offer within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer. Educational materials will include a clear point of contact for Metrolinx, including the hotline and email identified in this plan, and an outline of available response services such as inspection, monitoring, and localized treatment where warranted and feasible.
• Maintain communication with the City to support coordinated awareness and response, as required.

Construction Phase

Active construction requires continuous pest management supported by strong housekeeping and regular monitoring. Contractors must maintain controls that prevent pest attraction and minimize migration from the work site, while Metrolinx maintains proactive oversight and coordinates community-facing response measures within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer when issues arise.

Contractor responsibilities (on-site)

• Maintain sealed waste containers and remove garbage and debris daily.
• Where implemented, inspect and service bait stations and traps regularly, adjusting placement and frequency based on observed activity and monitoring results.
• Store materials off the ground and avoid stockpiling that creates harbourage or hiding areas.
• Maintain a detailed pest management log documenting inspections, sightings, servicing, and control measures.
• Submit regular pest management updates to Metrolinx, including summary metrics, issues identified, and corrective actions taken.

Metrolinx responsibilities (off-site and oversight)

• Review contractor updates and logs to confirm implementation of the approved Pest Management Plan and identify emerging issues.
• Conduct field observation and proactive site reviews to confirm appropriate controls, good housekeeping, and compliance with the approved plan.
• Maintain clear channels for receiving and triaging pest-related complaints and coordinate a timely response within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, as warranted.
• Where appropriate, coordinate professional inspections or other practical mitigation measures within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, and work with the contractor to address likely sources and prevent recurrence.
• Communicate with the community regarding mitigation actions and progress, and ensure inquiries are addressed in a timely and transparent manner.

Post Construction Phase

Once construction concludes, pest activity risk typically decreases. However, proper demobilization, site restoration, and permanent exclusion measures are required to help ensure the area remains pest-free and to provide assurance to the surrounding community.

Contractor responsibilities (on-site)

• Remove all temporary pest control equipment, including bait stations and traps, in accordance with applicable standards and product requirements.
• Conduct a comprehensive final inspection and provide certification that the site is free of active pest infestation at the time of demobilization.
• Implement permanent exclusion measures, including sealing entry points and addressing conditions that could attract or harbour pests, such as uncontained waste or residual debris.
• Complete housekeeping and closeout activities so the site is left in a clean condition that does not create ongoing pest attraction.

Metrolinx responsibilities (off-site and oversight)

• Verify completion of contractor closeout actions through final site review and retain certification and closeout documentation for accountability.
• Confirm that community communication channels remain available for a defined period following demobilization to capture any residual concerns.
• Where isolated issues arise within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, coordinate practical follow-up supports and liaise with the City as required, recognizing that pest activity may be influenced by broader neighbourhood conditions unrelated to Ontario Line works.

Community Engagement and Communication

Community engagement is a cornerstone of this plan. Transparent, proactive communication helps residents and businesses understand what to expect during construction, how pest risks are being managed, and how to access support if concerns arise. Metrolinx will maintain clear communication channels and coordinate messaging with contractors and municipal partners to ensure a consistent, credible response.

Metrolinx will deliver this commitment by:

• Issuing timely notices in advance of disruptive work, explaining why pest management is required, what controls are being implemented on site, what additional supports may be coordinated within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, and how to report concerns.
• Maintaining dedicated channels for pest-related inquiries and complaints, including the hotline and email identified in this plan, and ensuring concerns are logged, triaged, and responded to promptly.
• Providing practical guidance to residents and businesses on pest proofing and housekeeping measures, and outlining the types of support Metrolinx may coordinate when pest migration is reported.
• Providing information updates during regular Construction Liaison Committee meetings and other public forums, to share what is being observed, what actions have been taken, and what is planned next.
• Coordinating with the City on escalated or sensitive issues to support aligned communications and avoid conflicting direction.
• Using feedback from residents, businesses, and community representatives to refine mitigation actions and improve how concerns are addressed over time.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Effective pest management depends on consistent monitoring, timely follow-up, and clear accountability. This plan emphasizes proactive verification of on-site controls and disciplined response to community concerns, while recognizing that enforcement tools are strongest within construction limits and more limited once pest activity extends into the community.

Monitoring and Verification

Metrolinx will verify that pest controls are in place and functioning through a combination of contractor reporting and field observation.

Metrolinx will:

• Review contractor logs and weekly updates to confirm that inspections, servicing, housekeeping, and treatments are being completed as required.
• Conduct proactive site reviews to validate the condition of the work site, including waste management, cleanliness, harbourage reduction, and the presence and servicing of pest control devices.
• Identify trends, recurring issues, or gaps in controls, and require corrective actions where contractor obligations are not being met.

Contractors will:

• Maintain complete pest management logs, documenting inspections, sightings, bait station servicing, trap servicing, and corrective actions.
• Submit regular updates during active work, and provide supporting documentation upon request.

Public Input and Complaint Management

Metrolinx recognizes that residents and businesses may be the first to observe pest activity in the community. Public input is an important supplement to formal monitoring.

Metrolinx will:

• Maintain dedicated channels for pest-related inquiries and complaints, including the hotline and email identified in this plan.
• Log each concern, confirm location and timing, and assess whether the issue is likely connected to construction activity.
• Coordinate follow-up actions within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, and provide updates to the complainant where appropriate.

Service objectives are intended to set expectations for responsiveness, not to create a guarantee. Timelines may vary based on severity, access, and the need to coordinate with contractors or external partners. In general, Metrolinx will:

• Acknowledge receipt of a complaint within one business day.
• Complete initial triage, including confirmation of location and construction interface, within two business days where practicable.
• Where warranted, arrange a site observation, inspection, or targeted monitoring within five business days, subject to access and scheduling.
• Provide the complainant with a status update once actions are initiated, and again when the issue is closed or transitioned to monitoring.

Practical Boundaries and Escalation

Metrolinx will generally coordinate off-site support measures within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, which provides a clear, legislated frame of reference for an area of influence adjacent to Ontario Line works. This boundary may be expanded in special circumstances, for example, where impacts are persistent, involve sensitive locations, or where site investigations indicate a credible construction link beyond the buffer. Metrolinx will document the rationale for any expanded response scope and will coordinate with the City as appropriate.

Escalation pathway

Metrolinx will follow a consistent escalation pathway when pest concerns are reported:

• Confirm and triage the concern, validate location and timing, review available site information and recent construction activities, and determine whether there are immediate on-site housekeeping or control gaps that require contractor action.
• Coordinate practical supports within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, such as professional inspection, localized mitigation measures, enhanced monitoring, and follow-up communications, as warranted.
• Escalate to the City when conditions are persistent, widespread, involve sensitive uses, or when municipal guidance or coordination is required to support broader neighbourhood response.

Enforcement and Corrective Action

Where contractor requirements are not being met within construction limits, Metrolinx will use contract-based mechanisms to drive compliance.

Metrolinx may:

• Direct immediate corrective actions, including enhanced housekeeping, additional servicing, increased monitoring frequency, or other measures required to meet the approved Pest Management Plan.
• Escalate persistent non-compliance through contract management processes, consistent with the applicable contract terms and performance requirements.
• Where pest activity is reported beyond construction limits, the approach shifts from enforcement to coordination. If the contractor is meeting its contractual obligations, Metrolinx’s role is to coordinate practical support measures within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer, work with municipal partners as needed, and maintain transparent communications, recognizing that off-site outcomes are influenced by broader neighbourhood conditions.

Documentation and Accountability

Metrolinx will maintain appropriate records to support transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement, including:

• Contractor submissions and pest management logs.
• Site review notes and observations.
• Complaint logs, actions taken, and outcomes.
• Escalations, directives, and closeout documentation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement ensures pest management practices remain effective, responsive, and aligned with evolving conditions across Ontario Line. Metrolinx will use reporting, field observations, and community feedback to identify trends, strengthen controls, and refine expectations over time.

Metrolinx will:

• Aggregate contractor reporting to assess program performance, identify recurring issues, and detect emerging patterns across sites.
• Compile periodic summaries to support internal oversight and drive consistent application of good practices across contracts.
• Conduct annual reviews of this plan, incorporating lessons learned, contractor feedback, City and Public Health input where applicable, and community experience.
• Update this plan as required to reflect changes in standards, project delivery conditions, and validated best practices.

Contractors will:

• Maintain comprehensive records of pest control activities, inspections, servicing, and outcomes.
• Submit required updates and reports during active works and ad hoc reports where requested.

Through ongoing review and refinement, Metrolinx will improve prevention measures, strengthen operational consistency, and maintain accountability throughout the program.

Future Considerations

As Ontario Line construction progresses and site conditions evolve, Metrolinx will continue to assess opportunities to strengthen pest management performance, improve responsiveness, and enhance transparency. Pest management is inherently dynamic in a dense urban environment, and future refinements may be required to reflect new lessons learned, emerging practices, and corridor-specific conditions.

Future considerations may include:

• Strengthening consistency across contracts by refining minimum requirements for Pest Management Plans, reporting formats, and documentation standards.
• Enhancing data collection and trend analysis to better identify recurring issues, emerging hotspots, and the effectiveness of specific mitigation measures.
• Improving community-facing materials and engagement tools to make support clearer, reduce confusion, and reinforce practical pest-proofing actions.
• Clarifying escalation pathways and coordination protocols with the City for higher sensitivity locations or persistent issues.
• Reviewing whether additional program tools are warranted to support accountability and performance, recognizing that enforceability is strongest within construction limits and more limited beyond them.

Metrolinx will consider these enhancements as part of ongoing program oversight and the annual review of this plan, to maintain effective controls, minimize community impacts, and sustain public confidence throughout Ontario Line delivery.

Conclusion

This Pest Management Strategy establishes Metrolinx’s project-wide approach to preventing, monitoring, and responding to pest risks associated with Ontario Line construction. It sets clear expectations for contractor performance within construction limits, and it defines how Metrolinx will coordinate additional supports within the Transit Corridor Lands Buffer when pest activity is reported beyond those limits.

By emphasizing prevention, proactive site oversight, transparent communication, and continuous improvement, this plan is intended to protect public health, minimize community impacts, and maintain confidence in Ontario Line delivery throughout all phases of construction.