Frequently asked questions

Are you interested in how toronto.ca/open functions? Read the answers to these frequently asked questions for quick insight into how we administer and provide data to the web.

Toronto's open data initiative is still growing. The first set of releases offered content that was in a readable format and free from privacy restrictions. Subsequent releases meet the same standards. City of Toronto staff responsible for data collection are working towards releasing all allowable data as soon as possible. Ultimately, new data created and collected will include a toronto.ca/open component.

Operating divisions and program areas within the City manage their own data sets and update them as required to meet business needs. Subscribers to the toronto.ca/open RSS feed are alerted when data is refreshed. Each data set page (linked off the data set catalogue) contains information on accuracy and expected update frequency per data set.

The City anticipates that people will grab City data and create their own uses and applications Developers do not need to ask for permission to create applications, however, they are required to follow the City's terms of agreement. DataTO Google Group provides an active platform to share needs and ideas.

Read the licence agreement. 

You can contact us in many ways: @Open_TO, opendata@toronto.ca, DATA eh? and via DataTO Google Groups.

Read the terms of agreement. 

The City of Toronto makes data it collects available to the public via toronto.ca/open. By offering data sets for others to use, the City supports unfiltered access to its information. Applications created using City data provide potential benefits for everyone. The goal over time is to offer all data allowable by law through toronto.ca/open. The site is evolving and we continue to improve how data is presented. We began releasing data in November 2009. We welcome feedback from the community via twitter @Open_TO, DATA eh? and DataTO Google Group.

When a developer combines information from multiple data sources, the result is called a mashup. Mashups often offer increased value to users given that the presentation and delivery of the data tends to be more practical for day-to-day use or moment-to-moment use. An example of a useful mashup: dinner and entertainment lovers would benefit from an events listing application that includes ride guides, line up information, parking availability and restaurants and menus in the same locale. Developing this type of mashup would involve bringing several data sets together into one application.

City of Toronto data sets are machine-readable. Sometimes special programs are needed to view the files we provide. See our glossary for more details.

Our intention is to release all City of Toronto data allowable by law. Exceptions include restrictions on release because of privacy or confidentiality issues.

There may be reasons of confidentiality that prevent releases. There are also thousands of data sets involved and resolving presentation formats and privacy concerns takes time.

The City of Toronto complies fully with freedom of information and privacy laws and will not release information that is not legally collected and/or infringes on privacy rights. In fact, some requests from the community for data are not actionable due to privacy restrictions.

Data sets are uncorrupted and virus-free. If you find a problem with a file, report it to us directly by mailing opendata@toronto.ca. Include the name of the data set and a description of the problem. Please be sure to verify you have the appropriate program to open the data set before notifying us.