Investigation after City of Toronto recreation worker dies while on duty
Toronto police and the Ministry of Labour are investigating after a municipal recreation worker died at Oakridge Community Recreation Centre. The union raised concerns about the city's working-alone policy.
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By Torontoer Staff
Toronto police and the Ministry of Labour are investigating after a City of Toronto recreation worker died on the job Wednesday morning at Oakridge Community Recreation Centre. Police said they received a medical call in the area of Pharmacy and Danforth avenues and are not releasing further details while they determine if the incident is criminal in nature.
Const. Amy Davey, a Toronto police media relations officer, said a postmortem examination is required before a cause of death can be finalised. The city says the worker suffered a suspected medical emergency while at work.
What authorities have said
Police confirmed they attended a medical call near Pharmacy and Danforth avenues and are continuing inquiries. They declined to release more information while the investigation is active.
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.
Const. Amy Davey, Toronto police media relations officer
Russell Baker, director of media relations and issues management for the city, said the worker experienced a suspected medical emergency and that the city is co-operating with investigators. He extended condolences to the employee's family, friends and colleagues and said the city will support impacted employees.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of a valued City of Toronto Parks & Recreation employee this morning. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
Russell Baker, City of Toronto
Union raises concerns about lone working
CUPE Local 79, which represents inside workers for the City of Toronto, posted on Instagram saying it was heartbroken to confirm the death of a member at Oakridge. The union said the worker was alone at the time and called for answers about how and why that occurred.
We mourn the loss of a colleague and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones and coworkers. This tragedy also demands answers. It is deeply troubling that this worker was working alone.
CUPE Local 79
CUPE Local 79 pointed to the city’s Working Alone Safely policy, saying it exists to protect staff and ensure immediate assistance in an emergency. The union said worker safety is non-negotiable and that it will press the city to enforce the policy.
- Union wants a review of how working-alone protocols are applied at recreation centres
- Requests for clearer procedures to ensure rapid assistance when staff are alone
- Calls for support and counselling services for coworkers affected by the death
City response and next steps
The city acknowledged the loss and said it is co-operating with the police and the Ministry of Labour. City staff will also be offered supports, Baker said, recognising the emotional toll a sudden death can take on coworkers and managers.
The Ministry of Labour typically investigates work-related deaths to determine whether workplace policies or conditions contributed to an incident. Those findings can lead to recommendations, orders, or charges if violations are identified.
What this means for staff and the public
For recreation centre staff, the incident has renewed scrutiny of lone-working arrangements and emergency response procedures. For residents who use City of Toronto facilities, operations at Oakridge Community Recreation Centre may be impacted while authorities investigate.
Neither the police nor the city have released the worker’s name. A final cause of death awaits the postmortem examination and the results of the Ministry of Labour inquiry.
Support and accountability
Both the union and the city said they will focus on supporting colleagues and ensuring a transparent review of what happened. The union indicated it will seek assurances that working-alone safeguards are being followed and that any gaps will be addressed.
Further information will be released as investigators complete their work. The city emphasised cooperation with investigatory bodies and the provision of support services to staff affected by the loss.
This matter remains under active investigation by Toronto police and the Ministry of Labour, and the city has asked for privacy for the deceased’s family while inquiries continue.
TorontoOakridge Community Recreation CentreCUPE Local 79Ministry of Labourworkplace safety
