Investigative Reports

Making the Strong Stronger: An Investigation into How the Toronto Paramedic Services Address Staff Operational Stress Injuries

November 30, 2015

We received a number of complaints from Toronto Paramedic Services (TPS) employees about TPS’ handling of operational stress injuries. The complaints raised systemic issues, including alleged inadequate supports and services for members that may be impacted by operational stress injuries and insufficient organizational training and awareness on the topic. This report outlines our findings from that investigation.

An Investigation into Toronto City Hall Security

April 30, 2015

Starting in the spring of 2013, media and public attention focused on the former Mayor of Toronto created unprecedented demands on security at Toronto City Hall. Around this time, we began receiving complainants about the actions of the City Hall security staff, which gave rise to concerns about people’s personal safety.

Unruel(y) Behaviour: An Investigation into Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s Human Resources Policies and Practices

April 30, 2014

Report on Implementation of Recommendations in An Investigation into The Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s Eviction of Seniors on the Basis of Rent Arrears

March 31, 2014

In October 2012, the Ombudsman initiated an investigation into the eviction of seniors living in Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) buildings for nonpayment of arrears . The investigation centred on whether eviction prevention policies were applied consistently, and ultimately found several issues of unfairness.At its June 2023 session, City Council requested that the Ombudsman monitor TCHC’s progress implementation the 30 recommendations made at the conclusion of that investigation. This report serves as that update.

Wheel-Trans is Watching: An Investigation into the Toronto Transit Commission’s Use of Video Surveillance on Wheel-Trans Vehicles

July 31, 2013

In 2006 and 2007, the TTC installed video surveillance cameras in all of its vehicles for the specific purposes of improving public safety and security and deterring crime. The use of video surveillance was later expanded to include the Wheel-Trans vehicles, which provide transportation services for riders unable to use conventional transit because of mobility challenges.

Housing at Risk: An Investigation into the Toronto Community Corporation’s Eviction of Seniors on the Basis of Rent Arrears

June 30, 2013

In October 2012, as a result of complaints, the Ombudsman initiated an investigation into the eviction of seniors for nonpayment of arrears. The investigation centred on whether eviction prevention policies were applied consistently.

Promises Made, Promises Broken: An Investigation into the City’s Below-Market Rent Program

March 31, 2013

In February 2012, six non-profit agencies leasing space in the same City building (the Complainants) complained to the Ombudsman. They said that the City was raising their rent by 550%, and that despite repeated requests, the City had failed to provide an adequate explanation for the increase.

Council Directed Review on City’s Response to Three-Prior Neighbourhood-Level Emergencies

February 1, 2013

As a result of tabling that investigation, Council directed the Ombudsman to review the City’s responses into three earlier neighbourhood-level emergencies – the Queen Street West fire (February 2008), the Secord Avenue fire (July 2008) and the Sunrise Propane explosion (August 2008). 

An Investigation into the Parking Ticket Dispute System in Toronto

November 30, 2012

We received a sizeable number of complaints from parking ticket recipients about the information available to the public and the adequacy of the process for disputing parking tickets. Complainants stated that the parking infraction dispute process seemed designed to encourage payment and discourage those with disputes from pursuing them.

Tunnel Vision: An Investigation into the Toronto Transit Commission Second Exit Project at Donlands and Greenwood Stations

October 31, 2012

We received complaints from a group of residents questioning TTC’s policies and procedures relating to notice of a second exit project, lack of public consultation, and differential treatment between the two communities affected.