Park Benches — Repair / New Install
Wrote to Parks, Forestry & Recreation requesting a picnic table be reinstated. Staff confirmed it was replaced — a simple request with a real outcome.
What is Writing to City Staff?
Sometimes 311 fails, a request is delayed, or an issue isn’t covered. Don’t give up. Use the City of Toronto Staff Directory to find the best division and write to a specific person — one at a time. In my experience, this yields replies very consistently.
Examples from my work
Bike Lanes — Traffic Signal Made Functional
Emailed Transportation Services about a bike signal that had been installed but left inactive for months, creating safety risks on a school route. Follow-up led to escalation through the weekly signal operations review and the signal being made functional.
Transit Shelter Safety — Routed to Repairs
Reported a broken glass barrier at a streetcar stop. TTC confirmed the request was forwarded to the team responsible for streetcar way and shelters, and the glass was later installed.
Short Bicycle Signal — Safety Concern
Flagged bike–traffic conflicts caused by short signal timing and secured an extension of the green bicycle phase.
Sidewalk Encroachment — Accessibility
Reported an outdoor installation taking up most of the sidewalk and flagged accessibility impacts for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers. Prompted a City accessibility compliance review.
EV Charging Machines on Sidewalks — Safety
Reported loose EV charging station cables posing a tripping risk on the sidewalk and followed up until a spooling mechanism was installed.
How you can do it too
- Find the right staff contact using the City directory.
- Write a short, factual, respectful message with photos if helpful.
- Track responses and thank teams when issues are resolved.