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You are on the [Lisa Jones Letter 18 Feb 2025] page of folder [Research Library ]
For the cover page of this folder go to the Director of management services letter Feb 13, 2025
From: Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca> Date: Thu, Feb 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM Subject: Follow-up to February 12th Incidents at Dufferin Grove Park and Clubhouse To: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Cheryl MacDonald <Cheryl.MacDonald@toronto.ca>, Stefany Hanson <Stefany.Hanson@toronto.ca>
Good afternoon, Jutta.
I was made aware of serious incidents that occurred yesterday, February 12, 2025 at the Dufferin Grove Clubhouse related to interactions with staff on-site. We received complaints from staff and Toronto Police Services have been engaged.
The Parks and Recreation Division will be undertaking an investigation regarding these incidents and in accordance with our Code of Conduct and Human Rights and Anti-Harassment Policy, over the next few weeks. While this investigation is underway, I respectfully request that you refrain from attending the Dufferin Grove clubhouse and other recreation facilities and/or engaging with staff on-site, until the investigation process is completed.
Staff will be in touch with you to arrange a meeting to discuss the incident as part of the investigation.
Councillor Bravo's executive assistant letter, Feb.18
Forwarded message ---------
From: Wyndham Bettencourt-McCarthy <Wyndham.Bettencourt-McCarthy4@toronto.ca> Date: Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 3:48 PM Subject: RE: Re: Re: Re: time to have a meeting, or two meetings To: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>
Hello Jutta,
....Just to note, as we have received a number of messages from community members about the incident from last week, I’m sharing here what we have included in the responses:
After learning of an incident at Dufferin Grove Park last week involving a community member and City of Toronto Parks and Recreation staff, we immediately reached out to the City Division. We have been informed that an investigation has been initiated into the incident, including a workplace investigation and Toronto Police response. Councillors are not able to interfere in an active workplace investigation, or in a legal complaint. Information about this investigation is confidential, and this area is beyond our office’s jurisdiction.
Response to Wyndham from Jutta, Feb.18
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From: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Date: Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 4:16 PM Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: time to have a meeting, or two meetings To: Wyndham Bettencourt-McCarthy <Wyndham.Bettencourt-McCarthy4@toronto.ca> Cc: Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>
Thanks Wyndham, I'm aware of the content of your standard letter, it was sent to me by some who got it.....
Since your office has followed the lead of P&R from the first moment, maybe it's better to just wait now and see what their management comes up with, do you agree? This situation may have legs, we'll see where it goes. But I do know that it's scary for a councillor to contradict the bureaucracy, in Toronto and some other places. At some point, however, it may become necessary.
Lisa Jones letter Feb18 2025
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From: Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca> Date: Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 4:56 PM Subject: Confidential - Parks and Recreation Workplace Investigation To: juttamason@gmail.com <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Colleen Vandeyck <Colleen.Vandeyck@toronto.ca>
Confidential
Hello Jutta:
Our unit has been advised of an alleged incident which took place on Wednesday February 12, 2025, between yourself and one of our staff members, allegations of workplace harassment and violence.
Our Management Services unit will be conducting an investigation into these allegations brought forward against yourself. Collen Vandeyck, Management Services Officer will reach out to you via email the week of February 24, 2025, to arrange a time to meet with you via Webex, the purpose of this meeting is to provide you with an opportunity to respond fully to the allegations in question.
Please know, the City is committed to providing a workplace where everyone is respected and valued. All individuals that participate in this process are entitled to be free of reprisal for having participated.
Please know that we will make every effort to conclude this investigation as quickly as possible. Once concluded, you will receive a written letter advising you of the results. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Kind Regards, Lisa
Lisa Jones Supervisor Staff Support Management Services Parks and Recreation Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca 416 396-5333 or 416 892-7722
This email, including any message or other information contained in it and any files transmitted with it, is confidential and privileged and subject to copyright and other legal protection. It is intended solely for the named recipient(s) to whom it was addressed. Any unauthorized copying, access, disclosure or other use or distribution of this email or the taking of any action in reliance on it is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
Response to Lisa Jones, Feb.19, 2025
Dear Ms.Jones,
I'm glad you're trying to arrange for me to tell management about what happened.
Since Rec management didn't find it necessary to check Justin's and Jordan's story, before asking the police to deliver a trespass order to my house, I posted what happened here, and a follow-up here. It would be good if I can now get some more details from you, in writing, namely:
1. please send me the written text of the trespass order, since I only got it verbally from police
2. please let me know the position of the staff person who signed off on Parks and Rec's trespass order
3. please itemize the details that management is using in their investigation about the alleged "workplace harassment and violence" that Justin and/or Jordan alleged I had committed
4. please send me the written definition of "respect in the workplace" and also "harassment and violence" that Parks and Rec Management Services uses to guide supervisory staff in their encounters with non-staff.
5. please let me know the basis on which you say that your Feb.18 email is confidential (included in the subject line). As you know, there are a great many park neighbours who are aware of the story by now, and would like to know more, and in some cases to contribute more stories of their own. Does management believe that I am not permitted to talk about it? In my view, that would miss a chance for some Torontonians to gain a better understanding of how problems in public space are addressed at City Hall. The more open this process is, the better -- since our parks are public spaces and city staff are public employees.
Your email says that one of your labour-relations-and-investigations officers wants to schedule a Webex meeting on Monday Feb.24, to interview me. I would be glad to talk to her but -- as I wrote in my Feb.18 email to your director -- I don't do virtual meetings. It would be good to meet face to face at the Dufferin building, but since I'm banned from there, I'd like to suggest meeting outdoors next to the building. That's where the encounter with your two staff took place, and it would give a realistic context to your inquiry.
I will bring along a few community members, just to observe.
Jutta Mason
Response from Lisa Jones, Feb.21, 2025
Hello Jutta
I am acknowledging your email response; I will follow up with you early next week.
Lisa
Response from Lisa Jones, Feb.24
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From: Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca> Date: Mon, Feb 24, 2025 at 5:59 PM Subject: RE: Re: Confidential - Parks and Recreation Workplace Investigation To: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Colleen Vandeyck <Colleen.Vandeyck@toronto.ca>
Hello Jutta
Our office is conducting the workplace investigation focusing on the allegations brought forward by employees of Parks and Recreation alleging, workplace harassment and violence on February 12, 2025, we do not have information on the trespass order you identify in your email.
Within the City of Toronto as an employer we have many policies which our staff and members of the public, service recipients, visitors to and users of City facilities/public space and individuals conducting business with, are expected to adhere to. I am including a link to our Human Rights and Anti-Harassment/Discrimination policy Human Rights and Anti-Harassment/Discrimination (HRAP) – City of Toronto within our policy the definitions you reference below are included, a link to the City of Toronto’s Workplace Violence Policy is included as well Workplace Violence – City of Toronto.
Workplace investigation meetings take place via Webex, as you have requested an in person meeting our office is located at Scarborough Civic Centre, alternatively we can look to hold the investigation meeting at one of our facilities close to Dufferin Grove, this meeting will be held during business hours, further information will be included in the meeting invitation you receive from Colleen. If you require accommodation to attend this in-person meeting or with the investigation process please do let us know, any accommodation request will be reviewed in accordance with the City’s Accommodation Policy and Procedures Accommodation – City of Toronto.
Confidentiality expectations are outlined in the Human Rights and Anti Harassment/Discrimination policy, we request that details of the investigation be kept confidential for the integrity of the investigation process, with the exceptions listed in the Procedures such as a legal advisor, health care practitioner, support person, and family.
We appreciate that this incident has caused concern for you as well and we look forward to the opportunity to hear your perspective of the incident and have the benefit of your evidence to ensure a harassment free workplace and service environment.
Email to Wyndham for Councillor Bravo, Feb.24
Forwarded message ---------
From: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Feb 24, 2025 at 11:23 PM Subject: Fwd: Re: Confidential - Parks and Recreation Workplace Investigation To: Wyndham Bettencourt-McCarthy <Wyndham.Bettencourt-McCarthy4@toronto.ca> Cc: Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>, Jane Price <bjaneprice@gmail.com>, <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca>
Dear Wyndham, In response to my email asking to receive the written text of the trespass order that Rec management asked TPS to deliver to me (but only verbally), I got the Inquiry supervisor's email below, saying
we do not have information on the trespass order you identify in your email . As far as I know, the TPS cannot legally do a trespass order without that order being specifically signed off by Parks and Rec management, on behalf of the owner of the property, namely the Corporation of the City of Toronto.
Since the supervisor offers no alternative source for this information, could you please ask the Parks and Rec general manager to locate the written order so that I can read it, and also which city manager signed it?
I think that's the first step.
Response to cc from Lisa Jones, Feb.25
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From: Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca> Date: Tue, Feb 25, 2025 at 8:31 AM Subject: RE: Fwd: Re: Confidential - Parks and Recreation Workplace Investigation To: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>, Jane Price <bjaneprice@gmail.com>, Wyndham Bettencourt-McCarthy <Wyndham.Bettencourt-McCarthy4@toronto.ca>, Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca>
Good morning Jutta,
I am copying Aydin in my response for comment.
Lisa
From Aydin Sarrafzadeh Feb.25, 2025
From: Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca> Date: Tue, Feb 25, 2025 at 9:43 PM Subject: RE: Fwd: Re: Confidential - Parks and Recreation Workplace Investigation To: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca>
Good evening, Jutta.
As a follow-up to your email below, I am responding to clarify that the request to refrain from entering recreation facilities is not related to a police-issued trespass. We are not aware of such order; we do understand that TPS advised you not to attend Dufferin Grove, following the incident on February 12, 2025, which is not a trespass order.
As stated in my February 13, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Division will be undertaking an investigation regarding incidents that took place on February 12, 2025, in accordance with our Code of Conduct and Human Rights and Anti-Harassment Policy. I continue to respectfully request that you refrain from attending the Dufferin Grove clubhouse and other recreation facilities and/or engaging with staff on-site, until the investigation process is completed.
I understand that Ms. Jones has reached out to you and is working to advance this investigation. I request, and would greatly appreciate your cooperation.
Recipients
Wyndham Bettencourt-McCarthy, Feb.26, 2025
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From: Wyndham Bettencourt-McCarthy <Wyndham.Bettencourt-McCarthy4@toronto.ca> Date: Wed, Feb 26, 2025 at 9:46 AM Subject: RE: Fwd: Re: Confidential - Parks and Recreation Workplace Investigation To: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>, Jane Price <bjaneprice@gmail.com>, Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca>
Hello Jutta,
On behalf of Councillor Bravo, thank you for the message. I understand the importance of accessing this information in a written document. I have reached out to Parks and Recreation Division to pass along your request for the written order and to provide clear information on processes and procedures as it relates to directives of this nature.
Jutta to Lisa Jones et al Feb.26
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From: Jutta Mason <mail@celos.ca> Date: Wed, Feb 26, 2025 at 8:11 PM Subject: time to talk directly To: <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca> Cc: Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca>, Stefany Hanson <Stefany.Hanson@toronto.ca>, Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>
Dear Ms.Jones, It seems like the next step now is for someone or a few people from Parks and Rec management to talk to me in person.
Your email said "we can look to hold the investigation meeting at one of our facilities close to Dufferin Grove."
However, at this season my use of my bike (since I can't walk but I can ride a bike) is compromised by the weather and bad roads, and in addition I can't navigate long hallways indoors. So I think that leaves two possibilities for a location for our conversation: 1. to meet, as I suggested, at Dufferin Park Avenue where the incident occurred or 2. to meet at my house, which is about two blocks away.
Both are very nearby and therefore work for me. I will want to bring along two or three other friends of the park, just to listen to what is being said. If you prefer indoors, there is plenty of seating in our first floor living room for you and a few colleagues. Over the last forty years this living room has been the site of many public space conversations, with all levels of recreation staff including up to the director level, so this will be just one more.
Please let me know when would work for you.
Feb.27 Lisa Jones to Jutta
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From: Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca> Date: Thu, Feb 27, 2025 at 3:54 PM Subject: RE: time to talk directly To: Jutta Mason <mail@celos.ca> Cc: Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca>, Stefany Hanson <Stefany.Hanson@toronto.ca>, Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>
Hello Jutta,
Colleen from my team will be reaching out to send you a meeting invitation for Friday March 7th, 2025, Colleen has scheduled time to meet with you at 11:30 am, this in person meeting will be held at Metro Hall, 55 John Street, 24th floor. This meeting will be scheduled for one hour.
You are welcome to have one support person attend this meeting with you; the purpose of the support person is simply to be present to support you, they are not permitted to participate in the meeting.
Lisa
Feb.28, Jutta to Lisa Jones and Aydin Sarrafzadeh
From: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 28, 2025 9:32 AM To: Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca>; Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca> Cc: Stefany Hanson <Stefany.Hanson@toronto.ca>; Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>; dufferingrovefriends <dufferingrovefriends@googlegroups.com> Subject: [External Sender] Response to your Metro Hall meeting proposal
I'm responding to Parks and Recreation's proposal of doing an investigative interview with me on March 7 at Metro Hall, to determine whether I engaged in workplace harassment of two of your staff, on the street beside Dufferin Rink on Feb.12, 2025. Metro Hall does not work for me as a location, as I explained in my Feb.26 letter. Since you didn't mention the two better locations I proposed in that letter, Ms.Jones, I assume that they are not acceptable to you.
Mr. Sarrafzadeh, this leaves me with your "respectful request" to stay away from all recreation facilities in Toronto. Please put this in writing, with the reasons. I wish to pass the letter along.
Still up in the air is the question of whether Recreation management will now address the unresolved issue at hand. On February 12, two of your part-time rec staff prevented me from getting into my car and leaving when I wanted to, and these two then lied to their recreation programmer (CRP), saying I had assaulted one of them. It appears that the CRP and the two part-time staff then called police and convinced them that I must be a mean fierce old lady with a cane, ending with the officers coming to my house and issuing me a verbal trespass order banning me from the rink building, possibly forever.
More important than the insult to me is the unacknowledged and therefore unaddressed crisis in Recreation's youth employment practices, a longtime problem that is highlighted by this situation. The Feb.12 incident will hopefully draw attention to the broader issue, which needs public discussion.
March 1 Aydin Sarrafzadeh to Jutta
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From: Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca> Date: Sat, Mar 1, 2025 at 8:22 PM Subject: RE: Response to your Metro Hall meeting proposal To: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca>, Stefany Hanson <Stefany.Hanson@toronto.ca>
Thank you for your email. Please be assured that this investigation is intended to also hear and understand your account of the February 12th incidents, including your concerns related to actions taken by staff.
All aspects and accounts of these events will be investigated and an outcome letter will be issued, following the completion of the process.
Staff are not able to hold investigation meetings in private dwellings, and given the circumstances, Dufferin Grove Park itself is not an appropriate location. I understand that Ms. Jones initially suggested a virtual meeting which is not preferred and therefore Metro Hall was suggested. If Metro Hall poses an issue, we would be able to look into a community centre meeting space near Dufferin Grove Park. Perhaps one of Wallace Emerson, McCormick or Trinity CRCs would be more suitable.
Kindly let Ms. Jones know if any of these locations work better.
Thank you again for your cooperation.
March 1, Jutta to Aydin Sarrafzadeh
From: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, March 1, 2025 8:52 PM To: Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca> Cc: Stefany Hanson <Stefany.Hanson@toronto.ca>; Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca> Subject: [External Sender] Re: Response to your Metro Hall meeting proposal
Good evening Mr.Sarrafzadeh,
Thanks for taking the trouble to write so late, and on the weekend. I think it will be useful for your inquiry to read my blog, for instance the one I sent out today, called People talking. The previous entries are here.
This incident was shuffled sideways to your investigations group but I think it was misfiled from the beginning.
Therefore I would prefer to turn this back towards a conversation rather than a human rights/violence investigation. After the conversation, you could always turn it back into what you had in mind.
Hence my invitation to come to my house, where there have been -- as I said -- quite a few Rec/Celos meetings (the Celos offices are in the basement suite) over the past 30 years.
Re what you wrote "staff are not able to hold investigation meetings in private dwellings" -- I believe it's allowed to accommodate arthritic knees in an elder in various unusual situations. Wallace, Trinity and McCormick CRCs are all very familiar to me, but they are all an additional physical "hill to climb," since every extra step not on my bike hurts a bit. I would make that extra effort if I really needed to, but I don't need to in this case.
I can meet outside Dufferin Rink in the spot where the event occurred -- not a bad idea to ground your investigation -- or meet you and your staff around the table at my house.
I don't mind leaving this hanging and just not meeting at all, and continuing to be banned. However, I'm curious to find out how this strange situation came about, so if you are also curious, we could talk here or on the roadway by the rink.
A step out of the box for you and your staff could even be kind of enjoyable. I am totally uninterested in confrontation -- a real exchange is so much better.
March 6, Aydin Sarrafzadeh to Jutta
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From: Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca> Date: Thu, Mar 6, 2025 at 9:31 PM Subject: RE: Re: Response to your Metro Hall meeting proposal To: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Cc: Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca>
Hello Jutta,
I understand from your remarks that Metro Hall and nearby facilities will not work for you. As such, we have cancelled tomorrow’s meeting. As mentioned previously, staff will not be able to meet with you in your home or at the park.
The only available option remains a phone meeting. If this option works, Lisa’s team will schedule a phone meeting with you and your support person, should you wish to have one, and meet with you by phone.
I hope that this option is acceptable.
March 6, Jutta to Aydin Sarrafzadeh
Forwarded message ---------
From: Jutta Mason <juttamason@gmail.com> Date: Thu, Mar 6, 2025 at 9:58 PM Subject: Re: Re: Response to your Metro Hall meeting proposal To: Aydin Sarrafzadeh <Aydin.Sarrafzadeh@toronto.ca> Cc: Councillor Bravo <Councillor_Bravo@toronto.ca>, Jane Price <bjaneprice@gmail.com>, Lisa Jones <Lisa.Jones@toronto.ca>, Stefany Hanson <Stefany.Hanson@toronto.ca>
Hello Mr.Sarrafzadeh, In my previous email I wrote to you that this issue has been misfiled by Parks and Recreation. Instead of an actual inquiry into what happened between city PT staff and me when they stopped me from moving my car and leaving, on the public road beside the rink, it was diverted into a hearing about whether I was guilty of workplace harassment, serious enough for staff to involve the TPS.
As you may know, many people in the neighbourhood wrote to Councillor Bravo after I described the incident. Most asked for a public meeting, but they all got a standard letter saying that "We will share information about next steps for moving ahead with this community process as it becomes available, though we must wait for the conclusion of the investigation."
Since my suggestion about where to meet -- my home or at the park, in person -- is not acceptable to you, and therefore your workplace harassment investigation can't take place, does this mean that the councillor is not permitted to meet with her constituents about this issue?