Mississauga reminds residents about Balcony Basics for balcony and window safety

Balcony Basics reminds residents that balcony and window safety is a shared responsibility. Falls from windows and balconies can cause serious injuries or death, but many incidents can be prevented through simple safety precautions and increased awareness.

Common hazards include furniture placed near windows or balcony railings, unsecured windows and window screens that are not designed to prevent falls. Young children face the greatest risk, while older adults may be more vulnerable due to mobility or balance challenges. Renters and highrise residents should also know how to spot hazards and take action.

Safety starts at home and in every building

Keeping apartments and highrise buildings safe is a shared responsibility.

Balcony and window safety requires action from everyone involved. Residents, renters, landlords, parents, caregivers and seniors all play an important role in preventing injuries. They can report concerns early.

Property owners, landlords and building managers are responsible for keeping safety features in good working order. They must respond quickly when issues are identified.

The City supports safety through education, inspections and enforcement actions to help prevent injuries before they occur.

What the City is doing to reduce risk

City staff work to understand how and where incidents occur, identify who may be most at risk and respond to safety concerns reported by residents. Through inspections and investigations, staff help ensure properties meet safety requirements.

Under the City’s Property Standards By-law, property owners are responsible for ensuring windows, balcony railings and safety devices are properly installed and maintained. Ontario’s Building Code also requires safety features, such as secure balcony railings and, in some cases, window restrictors that limit how far windows can open.

While these measures help prevent falls, items must be in good working condition and used properly to be effective. The City continues to enhance its public education efforts by providing clear, practical guidance for property owners and tenants, while working with community partners, landlords and property management associations to share best practices and ensure residents, especially those with children, understand simple precautions they can take at home. By combining enforcement with ongoing education, the City aims to reduce preventable falls and keep residents informed of seasonal risks.

Balcony Basics: Simple steps can make a big difference

Residents and caregivers play an important role in keeping homes and children safe. Since many safety features, such as window latches and balcony doors, are inside individual units, the City relies on residents to report concerns when they arise.

See something unsafe? Report it.

If a safety concern is identified:

• Contact your property owner, landlord, building or property manager.
• Call 311 if the issue is not addressed so the City can investigate and take action.

Reporting issues early can help prevent injuries and ensure hazards are addressed before they lead to tragedy.

Working together to keep residents safe

If you live in a highrise or two-storey (or taller) home, especially with young children or seniors, consider some practical safety tips to help reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

The following tips are voluntary precautions to help improve balcony and window safety:

• Keep furniture, planters, toys and other climbable objects away from windows and balcony railings.
• Ensure applicable window safety devices, restrictors and locks are installed and working properly.
• Never remove, disable or bypass window safety devices.
• Never leave young children unattended near open windows or balconies.
• Stop children from climbing on railings or leaning over balconies.
• Keep balcony doors closed when not in use.
• Regularly check that locks, latches and screens are secure.
• Stay aware of balcony and window hazards when visiting other homes or highrise buildings.

Learn more

Residents can learn more about property standards and how to report concerns by visiting Mississauga.ca/propertystandards or calling 311.

Tags

• Enforcement and Fines
• Public Safety