A shadow hangs over the streets of Toronto, a stark contrast to the city’s image of progress. Guards patrolling parks and shelters, employed by a private security firm awarded over $40 million in city contracts, haven’t received a paycheck in December. These are the men and women of One Community Solutions, tasked with safeguarding vulnerable communities, yet struggling to safeguard their own livelihoods.
Alexander, a community safety team (CST) member who asked to remain anonymous, describes a desperate situation. Rent looms unpaid, Christmas gifts were out of reach, and the new year arrived with a gnawing uncertainty. He isn’t alone; colleagues share his plight, their anxieties amplified by a fear of reprisal from their employer.
The delays aren’t isolated incidents. Paychecks promised in late November were pushed into December, and those expected for December simply vanished. Even January’s first pay period failed to materialize on schedule. Alexander paints a picture of mounting financial strain, a constant tightening of already stretched resources.
Working in parks once occupied by encampments and bustling subway stations, Alexander and his fellow CSTs, most in their twenties, feel profoundly undervalued. Discipline is often arbitrary, and a sense of disregard permeates their work environment. Warnings against discussing late payments have been issued, silencing concerns and fostering a climate of fear.
Internal messages from OCS’s HR chief, Mitchell Cawley, reveal a pattern of “payment issues,” vaguely attributed to the “growing pains” of a small company. Apologies are offered, but concrete solutions remain elusive. Promises of delayed payments, repeated throughout 2025, offer little comfort to those facing immediate financial hardship.
The situation extends beyond late payments. Alexander reveals a lack of overtime compensation, even when working 60-hour weeks. The advertised hourly rate of $21 feels unattainable for many CSTs, even those with years of service. Basic protections seem absent, leaving workers vulnerable and exposed.
The work itself is demanding and often dangerous. CSTs routinely encounter individuals struggling with addiction and mental health, facing potential exposure to hazardous materials like used syringes. Yet, regular sick days are not provided, and employees are expected to find their own coverage when ill. A colleague’s serious hand injury sustained during an assault reportedly went without ambulance coverage from the company.
Despite the hardships, a sense of purpose keeps some CSTs going. Alexander speaks with empathy for the homeless population he serves, finding fulfillment in small acts of kindness – a shared meal, a listening ear. He witnesses the profound impact of human connection, a brief respite from the isolation and despair many experience.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of expanding city contracts with OCS, a relationship that began with sole-sourced deals just months after the company’s founding. The firm has been involved in sensitive situations, including a health centre shooting and the aftermath of a Barrie encampment linked to violent crimes. Yet, questions regarding their practices remain unanswered.
When pressed for comment, OCS declined to address the payroll issues, offering no explanation for the financial distress of its employees. The City of Toronto confirmed its payments to OCS were current, deferring all questions regarding payroll to the contractor. A sense of detachment hangs over the response, a disconnect between the city’s investment and the reality faced by those on the front lines.
For Alexander and his colleagues, the struggle continues. They remain committed to serving Toronto’s most vulnerable, even as their own needs go unmet. Their story is a poignant reminder that behind every contract, every policy, there are real people, with real lives, and a fundamental need for fairness and respect.
