Submission checklists › Toronto Water & ECS

Fire Hydrant Use Permit

City of Toronto: Toronto Water · version May 14, 2021, Rev. 1

Application form

1Fire Hydrant Use Permit Application (online): secure.toronto.ca/webapps/whp/

Process following online application

2Step 1: Book a "Turn On / Turn Off" appointment. Appointments can be made between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. Toronto Water staff will call within four business days of receiving the application to confirm the location of the hydrant(s) and schedule a time on the requested date(s) to turn the hydrant on and off.
3Step 2: Hydrant "Turn On" date. Bring a 5 cm (2-inch) fire hose for each hydrant, and a chain and lock. City staff install a water meter to track water use, a gate valve and a backflow valve, then step away so the permit holder (or representative) can install their hose, bib, chain and lock.
4Step 3: Hydrant "Turn Off" date. Meet staff at the agreed date and time so they can remove the chain and lock, hose, meter and backflow prevention device. If you fail to arrive, staff will attempt to call you; if you cannot be reached, staff will turn off the hydrant, cut the chain and remove the backflow device and meter. Staff record the amount of water used from the meter, which is used to process any refunds or invoices.

Applicant responsibility

5The applicant is responsible for:
  • Using the hydrants only on the dates covered under the permit.
  • Supplying a hose and industrial chain and lock for each of the requested hydrants.
  • Any claims that may arise while the hydrant was in use. Applicants must agree to compensate and hold the City of Toronto harmless for any claims.
  • Protecting the fittings, backflow prevention device and water meter supplied by the City, including from frost or extreme cold weather.
  • Covering the costs of any repairs or damage to the fittings, backflow prevention device, water meter or hydrant.
  • Ensuring that hoses do not cross roadways or sidewalks.

Notes

6You can apply, pay for and receive Fire Hydrant Use and/or Fire Hydrant Flow Test permits online between April 15 (pending suitable weather) and November 15. After submitting online you receive a receipt by email, the permit(s) and CSR number(s).
7The City grants permits to allow the use of water from fire hydrants between April 15 (pending suitable weather) and November 15.
8Permits during the off-season (November 16 to April 14) are granted case by case and applicants must adhere to strict criteria. For an off-season permit contact TWC@toronto.ca for an exemption.
9Online application and payment must be made at least 10 business days in advance of the requested date. Once processed, you receive a receipt, the permit(s) and CSR number(s) for future reference.
10The CSR number(s) are used by the permit holder (or representative) to pick up the water meter device from Toronto Water.
11Fees:
  • If you require 50 m³ of water or less: the annual permit fee + the cost of 50 m³ of water at the Block 1 Water Rate.
  • If you require more than 50 m³: the annual permit fee + a $500 deposit. The City installs a water meter on the hydrant; water use is charged at the Block 1 Water Rate. If the water used costs less than $500 you are issued a refund; if more than $500, an invoice.

This checklist identifies the scope of information typically required to support processing of an application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to consult with the approval authority prior to application submission to confirm the submission requirements for more complex or atypical applications.

Permits this checklist is for

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