Municipal Open Data Requests & API Keys - Toronto

Technology and Data Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Toronto, Ontario maintains an official Open Data portal where residents, businesses and researchers can download datasets or request API access. The City of Toronto Open Data site explains available datasets, download options and developer access for APIs and is the primary starting point for data extracts and keys. City of Toronto Open Data portal[1]

Check the portal first for direct dataset downloads and API endpoints.

How to request an extract or API key

In general you can: access datasets directly via the portal, use provided API endpoints, or contact the City’s Open Data team for custom extracts or developer assistance. If you need records not published as open data you must follow Access to Information procedures with the City of Toronto. Access to Information at City of Toronto[2]

  • Request method: use portal download, API endpoint or contact form.
  • Data format: CSV, GeoJSON, JSON and other formats when available.
  • Contact: Open Data team via the portal contact link or the City clerk’s Access to Information contact.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Open Data portal itself is an administrative service; the portal pages do not specify monetary fines or bylaw penalties for requesting or using open data. Enforcement actions for misuse of data, or offences related to withholding records, are governed by applicable municipal policies and provincial law where relevant.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders, records disclosure requirements or legal proceedings may apply under provincial access law or other statutes; specific sanctions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: City of Toronto Open Data program and City Clerk / Access to Information functions for withheld records; appeals may be directed to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario when provincial access rules apply.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes exist under provincial access legislation; specific time limits are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
Appeals under Ontario access law are handled by the provincial Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Applications & Forms

For most published datasets no application form is required—download or use the API endpoint directly from the portal. For records not published as open data, use the City’s Access to Information request process; specific request forms or fees are described on the City’s Access to Information pages or by contacting the City Clerk. [2]

  1. Check the dataset page for an API endpoint or download option.
  2. If a custom extract is needed, contact the Open Data team via the portal contact link.
  3. If the record is not public, file an Access to Information request with the City Clerk.

How-To

  1. Go to the City of Toronto Open Data portal and search for the dataset you need.
  2. Use the dataset page to download a file or copy the API endpoint for programmatic access.
  3. If an API key or custom extract is required and not provided on the dataset page, use the portal contact form or the Access to Information process to request assistance.
  4. If a record is withheld or requires formal access, submit an Access to Information request through the City Clerk’s office.

FAQ

How do I get an API key for Toronto open data?
The portal provides developer access details on dataset pages; if an API key or special access is needed contact the Open Data team via the portal contact link. [1]
Are there fees for requesting an extract?
Fees are not specified on the City of Toronto open data pages; consult the Access to Information page for fees related to formal requests. [2]
Who enforces rules about withheld records?
Appeals and enforcement for access to records are handled under provincial access law and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. [2]

Key Takeaways

  • Most datasets are downloadable or available via API endpoints on the portal.
  • Contact the Open Data team for custom extracts or developer assistance.
  • If records are not published, use the City’s Access to Information process.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Toronto Open Data portal
  2. [2] City of Toronto - Access to Information

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