Dear Mayor Chow

I am writing to ask for your leadership on an issue affecting hundreds of crossing guards across Toronto: the privatization of an essential public safety service.

Crossing guards are entrusted with the safety of children, seniors, and families every day. We are a visible and trusted part of our communities, helping residents navigate busy intersections, teaching children safe road habits, and creating safer, more connected neighbourhoods. Yet despite performing an essential public service, crossing guards are employed through private security contractors rather than directly by the City of Toronto.

I am a crossing guard currently employed through Synergy Protection Group, one of the companies contracted by the City. I am asking that the City review this model and explore bringing crossing guards into direct municipal employment.

The current system leaves many crossing guards in precarious working conditions. We receive no benefits, no paid time off, and earn only minimum wage despite working in traffic and facing daily safety risks. Many guards are newcomers, seniors, or people with disabilities who have limited employment opportunities and are therefore particularly vulnerable to unfair workplace practices.

Under the contractor model, workers often struggle to obtain time off for medical appointments, family obligations, or religious observances. Employees report having pay docked for being late by a single minute and losing holiday pay under strict attendance policies. The imbalance of power between workers and private contractors makes it difficult to advocate for improvements without fear of retaliation or losing employment.

The City would never contract out firefighters, paramedics, or many other essential public services without ensuring fair standards and accountability. While crossing guards occupy a different role, we are still responsible for public safety and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Beyond safety, crossing guards contribute to the social fabric of Toronto. We build relationships with children, parents, seniors, and local residents. At my location, seniors from a nearby residence regularly stop to talk, families know they can rely on seeing a familiar face each day, and children learn not only how to cross the street safely but also the value of community connection. These relationships cannot be measured in a contract, but they are invaluable to the neighbourhoods we serve.

I am asking that you:

1. Initiate a review of Toronto's crossing guard contracting model.
2. Explore the feasibility of employing crossing guards directly through the City of Toronto.
3. Meet with crossing guards and worker representatives to hear firsthand about workplace conditions and opportunities for improvement.
4. Establish minimum standards for wages, benefits, paid leave, and workplace protections for all crossing guards contracted by the City.

Toronto's crossing guards perform essential work every day. We are asking not for special treatment, but for fair treatment. We deserve a living wage, basic workplace protections, and a voice in decisions that affect our livelihoods.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you will take action to ensure that the people entrusted with protecting Toronto's children and communities are themselves treated fairly.

Sincerely,

Arthur Belcher (ze/he)

AJ Latremouille (they/any)

Toronto Crossing Guards