Residents in Leaside’s Randolph Road area say their peaceful street has been overrun by rats — and they blame a neighbour who continues to feed wildlife despite city warnings.
Homeowner Jennifer King says the infestation became unbearable earlier this year. She spent $3,000 on extermination after rats invaded her home’s walls and attic.
“It’s disgusting. You could hear them in the walls,” said King, who has lived on the street for 25 years.
Toronto City Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, who represents the area, confirmed that a woman on the street was charged several months ago under the city’s wildlife-feeding bylaw. The same property is also under a property standards investigation due to garbage buildup in the yard.
Toronto amended its animal bylaw in 2023, prohibiting the feeding of backyard wildlife — except for songbirds. Since then, city data shows 3,787 complaints in 2023 and 3,897 in 2024, reflecting widespread frustration among residents.
City officials say feeding wildlife, even unintentionally, can create serious rodent problems.
“When food is left out, it attracts rodents and pests that are difficult to control,” the city’s statement read.
King said she first noticed rat tracks in the snow last January, and by spring, the rodents — “some as big as possums” — were roaming freely through yards.
“At night in the bedroom I could hear them scratching in the ceiling,” she said.
Despite repeated pleas and a signed letter from a dozen neighbours, the alleged feeding has continued. King’s friend Janet Bolton witnessed the extent of the infestation firsthand.
“I saw 30 rats in about 15 minutes,” Bolton recalled.
Under Toronto’s bylaw, feeding wildlife can result in fines up to $100,000. The property standards case is ongoing, and the bylaw charge is set for court in November.
Coun. Chernos Lin urged residents to keep reporting violations to 311 and communicate early to prevent neighbourhood disputes from escalating.
“If you’re having challenges in your neighbourhood, report it. The city can take action — that’s why we’re here,” she said.
As winter approaches, residents hope the cold will drive the rats back underground — but King fears they’ll return in full force come spring.
“I was seriously thinking about moving,” she admitted. “You just feel helpless when you can’t stop it.”
