A City of Toronto Parks & Recreation employee died on Wednesday morning while working at Oakridge Community Recreation Centre. Toronto police and the Ministry of Labour are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Investigation Underway
Police responded to a medical call in the area of Pharmacy and Danforth avenues. According to Const. Amy Davey, Toronto police media relations officer, no further information will be released until a postmortem examination determines the cause of death and whether the incident is considered criminal in nature. “A determination on whether this is a criminal matter can only be made after a postmortem examination is conducted and a cause of death is finalized,” she stated.
Union Calls for Answers
CUPE Local 79, the union representing City of Toronto inside workers, expressed its grief over the loss of its member. The union’s statement, posted on Instagram, highlighted concerns about the worker being alone at the time of the incident. CUPE Local 79 emphasized that the City of Toronto has a “Working Alone Safely” policy designed to prevent such situations.
“No worker should be isolated, unprotected, or placed in a situation where help is not immediately available. Worker safety is non-negotiable,” the union stated, adding that it will collaborate with the city to ensure the policy is consistently enforced.
City Responds
Russell Baker, the director of media relations and issues management for the city, stated that the employee suffered a suspected medical emergency. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of a valued City of Toronto Parks & Recreation employee this morning,” Baker said. The city is fully co-operating with the ongoing investigation and is focused on supporting impacted employees and the worker’s family.
What Happens Next?
The outcome of the police and Ministry of Labour investigations could lead to several scenarios. If the death is determined to be from natural causes, the focus may shift to a review of the city’s emergency response protocols at recreation centres. If the investigation reveals a failure to adhere to the “Working Alone Safely” policy, the city could face scrutiny and potential recommendations for improved safety measures. It is also possible the investigation could uncover previously unknown factors contributing to the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the City of Toronto’s “Working Alone Safely” policy?
According to the union, the city has a “Working Alone Safely” policy that is intended to protect staff and ensure there is immediate assistance in the event of an emergency.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at Oakridge Community Recreation Centre.
Is the police investigation ongoing?
Yes, Toronto police are investigating, and no further information will be released until a postmortem examination is completed.
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