Investigative Reports

Showing 31 to 40 of 47 items

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.

An Investigation into the Administration of Public Appointments Policy

September 30, 2012

We received a number of complaints about the way the public appointments process was administered. The complaints related to the lack of diversity among the successful candidates, the inadequacy of staff resources, and criticism about the handling of a potential conflict of interest.

An Investigation into the Provision of Emergency Human Services following 200 Wellesley Street Fire

May 1, 2012

On September 24, 2010, a fire broke out on the 24th floor of 200 Wellesley Street, Canada’s largest social housing building. Firefighters took eight hours to extinguish the six-alarm blaze. More than 1,700 residents had to be evacuated. Many were vulnerable with no one to stay with. The Ombudsman initiated an investigation after receiving complaints about the City’s response and hearing concerns about whether the City’s policies and procedures were appropriate given the vulnerable nature of many in this social housing population.

Water Works: An Investigation into Water Billing, Metering and Customer Service

April 30, 2012

We have received ongoing complaints from residents about excessive bills for sudden, inexplicable water consumption. After complaining to the City, they found their consumption returned to previous levels in the next billing period, regardless of whether the meter was replaced. They felt this implicitly suggested the City was not telling the truth about their water consumption.