FOI Request: Traffic Counts & Crash Records - Toronto

Transportation Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

The City of Toronto, Ontario maintains traffic count datasets and holds collision records that are accessible to the public through formal freedom-of-information procedures. This guide explains where those records are held, how to request them under the City access process, what to expect for timelines and fees, and how to appeal a decision. If a dataset is already published on the City’s open-data portal you may be able to download counts without an FOI request; otherwise submit a formal access request with clear location and date details to speed processing.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Access to records and disclosure practices are governed by City policy and Ontario access law; enforcement and review routes include the City of Toronto Access & Privacy Office and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC). The City describes response obligations and routes to request records on its official FOI page.[1]

  • Fines and monetary penalties for improper disclosure: not specified on the cited page.
  • Administrative orders or mandatory redaction directions: not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer / contact: City of Toronto Access & Privacy Office (see Applications & Forms). Appeals go to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.[3]
  • Response timeline: the City states standard FOI processing timelines on its FOI page; see that page for current timelines and any statutory extensions.[1]
You can often find recent traffic counts directly on the City open-data portal without an FOI request.

Escalation and repeat matters: the official pages do not list specific escalating fine amounts for repeated failures to comply; if seeking penalties or sanctions consult the IPC or City legal counsel for enforcement options.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes instructions and the official FOI request form on its access page. It describes how to submit details, where to send the form, and any application fee or payment methods. If no suitable records are found on the City open-data portal you should complete the FOI form and include precise location, date/time ranges, and the type of record (e.g., “automatic traffic recorder counts at Yonge St and Bloor St, 2019–2021” or “police collision report for collision on Queen St W, 2022”).[1]

  • Form name/ID: official FOI request form (see City page for current form and submission address).[1]
  • Application fee: see the City FOI page for current fee details; if the page does not list a fee amount it is not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Submission: online portal or mail/email addresses are provided on the City FOI page; follow the current instructions there.[1]

How records are typically located

Traffic count data may already be published on the City’s Open Data portal as downloadable datasets; collision reports may be held by the City or the Toronto Police Service depending on record type. Before filing an FOI request search the City open-data catalogue for “traffic counts” and the City and TPS open-data catalogues for collision summaries.[2]

Search the City open-data portal first to avoid FOI delays.

FAQ

How long will an FOI request take?
Response times follow the City’s access procedures; consult the City FOI page for standard timelines and any statutory extension details.[1]
Can I get a police collision report through the City FOI process?
Collision reports may be subject to Toronto Police Service control or City custody depending on the file; if TPS holds the report you may need to request it from TPS or use published open-data extracts. Check the open-data catalogues before submitting an FOI request.[2]
Are there fees?
The City FOI page sets out application and processing fee information; if a specific fee is not listed on that page it is not specified on the cited page.[1]
How do I appeal a refusal?
If you disagree with the City’s response you can request a review or complain to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario; follow the IPC appeal process on its official site.[3]

How-To

  1. Search the City of Toronto Open Data portal for traffic counts and collision summaries to see if the record is already public.[2]
  2. If the record is not public, download and complete the City FOI request form with precise location and date details and attach any supporting identification or authorization.[1]
  3. Pay the required application fee if listed on the City page and submit the form by the method specified (online portal, mail, or email).[1]
  4. Wait for the City’s response within the stated timeline; if access is refused follow the IPC instructions to request a review or appeal.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Check the City open-data portal before filing FOI to avoid delays.
  • Provide clear location and date ranges in your FOI request to speed processing.
  • If refused, you can seek review through the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Toronto - Access & FOI
  2. [2] City of Toronto Open Data - Traffic Counts
  3. [3] Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.