How Do I Put a City on Notice in Ontario?
- Daniel Rabinovitch
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
If you’ve been injured due to a dangerous sidewalk, road condition, or other municipal issue, you must act quickly. Claims against municipalities in Ontario are subject to strict notice requirements and missing them can jeopardize your case.
The 10-Day Notice Requirement
Under Ontario law, you are generally required to provide written notice to the municipality within 10 days of your injury.
Section 44(10) of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that:
Written notice of your claim must be served/sent by registered mail within 10 days of the incident;
The notice must include:
The date of the incident
The time of the incident
The location of the incident
The notice must be delivered to:
The clerk of the municipality, or
If multiple municipalities may be responsible, the clerk of each municipality
For incidents occurring in Toronto, the City of Toronto Act, 2006 contains a nearly identical requirement. Section 42(6) similarly requires that notice be provided within 10 days to:
The City Clerk, and
Any other relevant municipal clerks where responsibility may be shared
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
All is not necessarily lost.
Courts may still allow your claim to proceed if you have a “reasonable excuse” for failing to provide notice within 10 days, and if the municipality is not prejudiced by the delay.
That said, this is not something you want to rely on. These arguments are highly fact-specific and can become a battleground early in your case.
How Do You Actually Give Notice?
If you haven’t yet retained a lawyer, you can still take steps immediately to protect your rights.
Most municipalities allow you to submit notice:
Online, through a claims portal
By registered mail, addressed to the City Clerk
In writing, delivered to the appropriate municipal office
A practical tip: Search “City of [your city] notice of claim” and follow the official online claims submission process.
*Always keep proof of submission (confirmation email, screenshots, or registered mail receipt).
Why This Matters
These notice provisions are strictly enforced and are often the first line of defence raised by municipalities. Acting quickly and properly can make the difference between preserving your claim and losing it before it even begins.
Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured and believe a municipality may be responsible, it’s important to get advice early.
At DR Injury & Disability Law, we assist clients across Ontario with municipal liability claims, including slip and falls on ice, unsafe sidewalks, and roadway hazards.
Contact Daniel Rabinovitch, a Toronto-based personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation to ensure your rights are protected and deadlines are met.
