Tag: health and safety

Fire Safety & Emergencies

Updated:  July 2026

In a fire emergency – smoke is the greatest danger

Most fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, not flames.

When the fire alarm sounds, act immediately. You must quickly decide whether to:
– Evacuate the building, or
– Defend in place by staying safely inside your unit.

Do not delay. Conditions can change rapidly, and smoke can spread through hallways and stairwells within minutes.

If you need assistance to evacuate

Residents who may require assistance evacuating the building during an emergency should notify Management in advance. Your name and unit number will be included in the building’s Fire Safety Plan and provided to the fire department during an emergency so they are aware that you may need assistance.

Please note that Management and the On-Call team will not be available to answer phone calls during an emergency, as they will be carrying out their responsibilities under the building’s Fire Safety Plan.

If there is a fire in your mid-rise unit

    • Leave immediately and tell everyone in your unit to go.
    • Close (do not lock) all doors behind you.
    • Pull the nearest fire alarm and shout “Fire.”
    • Use the nearest exit stairwell — do NOT use elevators or prop stairwell doors open.
    • Call 9‑1‑1 from a safe location — never assume someone else has called.
    • Meet firefighters when they arrive and tell them the fire location.

If the alarm sounds but your unit is safe

Although the safest place to be during a fire is outside the building, if smoke is NOT entering your unit it is typically safe to stay where you are and wait for further instructions. The building is relatively fire-resistant, but furnishings can create toxic fumes.

Evacuate only if it is safe

Before opening your door, check for signs of smoke or heat.

  • If you see smoke or feel heat at your door or in the corridor, close the door immediately. Do not enter a smoky hallway or stairwell. Stay in your unit and follow the instructions for defending in place.
  • If the corridor is clear, leave immediately. Take your keys, phone, ID, medications, and other essential items only if they are immediately accessible. Do not delay your evacuation to gather belongings.
When evacuating:
      • Close your unit door behind you.
      • Pull the fire alarm if it is not already sounding.
      • Go to the nearest exit stairway. Use the stairs only—never use the elevator.
      • Do not prop open stairwell doors. Stairwells are pressurized to help keep smoke out.
      • If one stairwell contains smoke, use the other stairwell at the opposite end of the building if it is safe to do so.
      • Never go to the roof.
      • Once outside, call 9-1-1 from a safe location.
      • Once out, stay out. Do not re-enter the building until the fire department says it is safe.
      • Meet at the park across from Wilton Street.
      • Tell firefighters anything you know about the emergency.

Defend in place

If smoke or fire prevents you from leaving safely:

  1. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Tell the dispatcher:
    • You are remaining in your unit.
    • Your address and unit number.
    • Whether you see smoke or flames.
  2. Activate the hallway fire alarm if it is not already sounding.
  3. Keep your unit door closed. Do not lock the door if you may need rescue assistance.
  4. Protect yourself from smoke.
    • Place wet towels or sheets along the bottom of the door.
    • Use duct tape to seal cracks around the door.
    • Seal vents and air ducts if smoke is entering.
    • Stay low to the floor, where the air is generally cleaner.
  5. Remain inside until firefighters rescue you or instruct you to leave.

If smoke enters your unit

  • Call 9-1-1 again and tell the dispatcher your exact location.
  • Move to the room with the least smoke. If available, move to an enclosed sunroom or balcony.
  • Close doors behind you.
  • Seal the room with wet towels and duct tape, if available.
  • Signal firefighters by hanging a light-coloured sheet or towel from a window, sunroom, or balcony.
  • Stay low to the floor.
  • Stay awake and listen for instructions from emergency personnel.
  • Townhouse residents
If you live in a townhouse:
      • Always evacuate immediately during a fire emergency.
      • Call 9-1-1 from a safe location.
Fire safety kit recommendations

Keep an emergency kit near your front door containing:

      • Duct tape
      • Old towels or sheets
      • Bottled water to wet them
      • Flashlight and spare batteries
      • Phone charger
      • Essential medications
      • Identification and emergency contact information
Fire prevention tips
      • Never leave cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen when frying food
        and cooking on the stove top.
      • Keep a pot lid nearby to smother small cooking fires.
      • Never use water on grease or oil fires.
      • Keep paper towels and combustible items away from the stove.
      • Never throw cigarettes or burning materials from windows or balconies.
      • Never smoke in bed. Never smoke if oxygen is used in the home. Smoke outside.
Remember
      • Act immediately.
      • Protect yourself from smoke.
      • Use stairs, never elevators.
      • Use a pull station to sound the alarm in the building.
      • Call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

Never assume others have already reported the emergency.

OTHER EMERGENCIES

On-Call Service (Woodsworth)

After 5pm on weekdays, plus weekends & holidays

Phone Number for OnCall  – 437-766-3145

Emergency – Call 9-1-1
Fire, medical emergency or a crime in progress

Police Non-Emergency – 416-808-2222
24 hour service.
If you are calling on a cellphone in Toronto, call  *877  or  *TPS (Toronto Police Service)

Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) – Call 211    for non-police help
Free, confidential, in-person mental health supports city-wide from mobile crisis worker teams.

Suicide crisis helpline – Call 9-8-8
24 hour service

MID-RISE ADDRESS  is 133 Wilton near Jarvis and the Esplanade.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

AED sign
AED sign

There is an external automated defibrillator (AED) on the ground floor lobby in a box beside the elevator.

This is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.

 

  1. Call 911 or have someone else do it. The midrise building is at 133 Wilton Street near Jarvis and the Esplanade.
  2. Send someone for the defibrillator.
  3. Take it out of the box and turn it on.
  4. The machine will talk to you. Follow instructions that the machine will give you.
  5. Keep going until paramedics arrive and take over.

Other services:

City of Toronto Services – Call 311

Woodsworth On-Call – 437-766-3145
Property emergencies and lock-outs – evenings and weekends) –

For information about power outages and more, see

A-Z Handbook for Co-op Members

In Case of Emergency Info Sheet

Click to download and print a sheet for emergency responders.

 

Pest control policy and procedure

Approved by Woodsworth Board of Directors on July 2, 2024

The Woodsworth pest control policy and procedure is for common areas and member units.  Members are responsible to promptly report any signs of pest activity or infestations to the office. The pest control company will handle all pest-related issues, including bed bugs, mice, rodents, insects, backyard infestation etc., using environmentally friendly and safe methods.

Co-op Information

ANNOUNCEMENT:
Woodsworth’s waiting list is closed.

MANAGEMENT:

General manager – manager@WoodsworthCoop.ca

Administrative assistant –  admin@WoodsworthCoop.ca

📞 (416) 363-3418

Maintenance phone number (normal business hours)
📞  (416) 363-7542

Contact staff in person during office hours

AFTER-HOURS – ON-CALL

If you have after hours maintenance emergencies, call the On-Call team weekends and holidays
📞  On-Call phone number
437-766-3145

City of Toronto resources

📞  For ongoing crimes or health emergency, please call 911.

📞  Mental health issues, call Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) – Call 211
Free, confidential, in-person mental health supports city-wide from mobile crisis worker teams.

📞  If an emergency is now over, report to the police through the non-emergency phone number. 416-808-2222.  On a cellphone you can call *8-7-7

📞  If you have a noise or similar complaints, please call the city at 311.
Non-emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Woodsworth Co-op Information

Board of Directors:
The Board meets monthly and typically gets involved only in matters of overall co-op policy or when other steps have been exhausted.  Exceptions include human rights issues and complaints about Management or the Board itself. The Board has a designated Property Management Liaison who can also help. Board reports are published periodically in The Weekly newsletter. Most are republished here.

Management

If you have issues of an administrative nature (e.g. waiting lists, pest control, priority moves, housing charge, RGI or maintenance) please contact the office. The board doesn’t need to be cc’d on these emails.

Contact staff in person during office hours, or by email at admin@WoodsworthCoop.ca

📞 (416) 363-3418

First step: contact Management!

Messages from members will normally receive a prompt response from Woodsworth’s Office Staff, who handle virtually all administrative matters with little or no input from the Board. Staff have the skills and resources to resolve most issues. Matters that may require a Board decision are rapidly brought to the Board’s attention, along with background material that can speed the process.

Escalate to the Board:

The Board email address is to be used only for escalations from members where the Office could not adequately assist, and for correspondence from committees. The Board reads all submissions to the inbox and endeavors to respond quickly to business correspondence and official communications from co- op committees.

Response to individual co-op members is limited to cases where Board intervention seems necessary. The Board meets just once a month and typically intervenes only on matters of overall co-op policy, or in cases where it becomes convinced that all other channels have failed. The cut off for correspondence to be covered in a board meeting is 9 days before the meeting date.

For more information, see  Woodsworth Board and Management correspondence – procedures

ℹ️ Looking for more information about Woodsworth procedures?
Our  website offers:
The updated A–Z Handbook for Co-op Members

Plain-language articles on our bylaws and policies (explainers) as well as the member-approved documents, Board reports, the newsletter, and more.

Conflicts
If you are having an issue with another member, contact the Conflict Mediation Committee for advice.

Human Rights
Fill in a Human Rights Complaint Form or talk to Management.  The Board of Directors has a legal duty to take action on human rights issues.

Maintenance Problem? Need a repair? Submit a work order

Submit a work order for a repair or a maintenance problem
Use the online work order module.
The online work order request system allows you to track the progress of your work orders and see a history of completed requests.

Or use a paper form.  You can download one from Co-op Forms or get one from the Photocopy Room. Don’t forget to give it to Management.

Appeals
The Occupancy Bylaw explains the full appeals process. See Article 15.

Escalation of problems
If you have an escalation (regarding the property manager or another issue for which no resolution has been reached) contact the board and specify that it is an escalation requiring action. Write directly to the Board – board@woodsworthcoop.ca. or drop a letter in the Board’s mailbox (2nd floor).

Incidents
Complete the incident form  or use a paper copy, available in the Photocopy Room or from Management.
Submit it by email to Woodsworth admin email address, hand it in at the office, or drop it in the office mail slot in the lobby.

Privacy Concerns
If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact the Co-op’s Privacy Officer (PIPEDA)—a designated Board member. You can find more information in the Organizational Bylaw. Check the list of current Board members  for the Privacy Officer or ask Management.

Suggestions
If you have an idea – consider whether it could be addressed to a related committee. The list of committees is on here on our website. You can also send ideas to the board. Or simply check with Management—they’re here to help.

Want to get on a Board agenda? Send a letter or email to the Board and CC  the Manager or Admin. Deadline: Correspondence must be received at least 9 days before the meeting date. Email the Board, and cc Woodsworth Management Team.

A-Z Member Handbook for Woodsworth Co-op
Essential guide to everything Woodsworth!

Accommodation for residents with disabilities
See the accommodation policy and other related documents in the Accessible Woodsworth menu.  Contact Management to apply.

Emergencies: Fire and AED
Fire, AED (defibrillator).
For information about electricity outage, etc. see the A-Z Member Handbook for Woodsworth Co-op

Member education and resources
A wide range of information including subsidies and financial assistance, rules of order for meetings, participation, conflict of interest and more.

Moving into and around Woodsworth: a guide to by-laws and policies
Woodsworth has a number of bylaws and policies that outline the unit maintenance responsibilities of the co-operative and the members. The by-laws and policies tell you what you can expect, including unit condition.

Community life
This topic has information for different groups such as seniors, about conflict and mediation, Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee (EDI), human rights, our neighbourhood.

The Weekly
If you wish to share your opinion, announce an event, sell something, write an article in The Weekly newsletter. See back issues here. Deadline is Tuesdays at 7pm for publication the upcoming weekend. No publication on long weekends.

 

Fitness classes in the penthouse – Woodsworth exercise

Exercise in the penthouse

Updated:  July 8, 2026

Convenient –  in-person in the co-op penthouse with an experienced  instructor.

Free.  Funded by the province and aimed at older members, age 55 and up and members with disabilities.

Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
45 minutes.

Balance and gentle fitness 2-2:45 pm
Intermediate – 3-3:45 pm

Contact member/instructor:
Lisa Williams-Harris

Organized by Strategies for Staying (S4S) Committee

Accommodation Policy for Residents with Disabilities

In the Woodsworth Housing Co-op Accommodation Policy for Residents with Disabilities (“the Accommodation Policy”), the term “accommodation” refers to adapting or adjusting policies, procedures, structures, etc. for a resident with a disability, and not to its more common usage as lodging or housing. 1

Approved at a General Members’ Meeting on September 25, 2017.

1. Statement of Commitment

Woodsworth Housing Co-operative (“the Co-op”) commits to addressing residents’ needs in a manner consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code that is inclusive and free of barriers based on disability, unless to do so would cause undue hardship to the Co-op.
Footnote 2
This Accommodation Policy applies to all residents of the Co-op, as required by the Human Rights Code.

Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Co-op will work cooperatively, and in a spirit of respect, with all partners in the accommodation process.
Footnote 3

2. Appropriate Accommodations

The aim of accommodation is to remove barriers and ensure equality. Accommodations will be developed on an individualized basis. An accommodation will be appropriate where it results in equal opportunity to enjoy the same benefits and privileges experienced by others, and where it respects the principles of dignity, inclusion and individualization. Appropriate accommodations may include:

a) Unit adjustments
b) Transfer to a more appropriate unit;
c) Modifications to organization policies and practices;
d) Technical aids;
e) Provision of materials in alternative formats;
f) Building modifications;
g) Modification to membership criteria.

This list is not exhaustive.
Accommodation may take many forms. What works for one individual may not work for another. Each person’s situation must be individually assessed. In each case, the Co-op will implement the most appropriate accommodation, short of undue hardship.

3. Application of the Accommodation Policy

This Accommodation Policy applies to all residents of the Co-op. Residents include Members, Long Term Guests, the children of Members and Long Term Guests, and anyone else who may legitimately be permanent residents.

It applies at all stages and to all aspects of residence in the Co-op, including but not limited to participation in Co-op events, meetings and committees, access to and use of common and private areas of the Co-op, and termination of membership.

The Accommodation Policy also applies to the procedures associated with applying for Membership or Long Term Guest status with the Co-op.

New members will be informed of the Accommodation Policy and all residents will be able to access it electronically through the Co-op’s website, and in hard copy form at the Co-op management office.

Decisions under the Accommodation Policy will be made by the manager of the Co-op within his/her spending authority. If the requested accommodation will cost over the manager’s spending limit, the request will be referred to the Board of Directors for a decision.
Footnote 4

4. Requests for Accommodation

Requests for accommodation must be made, preferably in writing, to the Co-op management office and directed to the manager.
Footnote 5
Accommodation requests should indicate:

a) The reason why accommodation is required; and

b) The specific needs related to the accommodation seeker’s disability.

All accommodation requests will be taken seriously. No person will be penalized for making an accommodation request.

5. Provision of Information

Footnote 6

The manager of the Co-op (or Board of Directors in more complex accommodation requests) may require further information related to the accommodation request in the following circumstances:
a) Where further information related to the individual’s limitations or restrictions is required in order to determine an appropriate accommodation; or

b) Where there is a demonstrable objective reason to question the legitimacy of the person’s request for accommodation.

In particular, the manager may request documentation from an appropriate health practitioner detailing the nature of the individual’s disability (a diagnosis is not required), any restrictions resulting from the disability, the expected duration of the restrictions, and the basis for the medical conclusions.7

Where further information is needed in order to identify accommodation needs or potential solutions, the accommodation seeker is required to cooperate in obtaining that information. Any costs associated with obtaining such information will be borne by the Co-op.

Failure to respond to such requests for information may delay the provision of accommodation.

The Co-op will maintain information related to:

a) The accommodation request;
b) Any documentation provided by the accommodation seeker or by health practitioners;
c) Notes from any meetings;
d) Any accommodation alternatives explored;
e) Any proposed accommodations that were refused; and
f) Any accommodations provided.

This information will be maintained in a secure location, separate from membership files, and will be shared only with those persons who need the information.

6. Privacy and Confidentiality

Footnote 8

The Co-op will maintain the confidentiality of information related to an accommodation request. It will only disclose this information with the consent of the person who requested accommodation.

7. Accommodation Planning

Accommodation requests will be dealt with promptly. When required, an interim solution will be provided while long-term solutions are developed.

The manager of the Co-op, the accommodation seeker and, where appropriate, the Board of Directors and any necessary health practitioners will work together cooperatively to develop an Accommodation Plan for the individual.
Footnote  9

The Accommodation Plan, when agreed on, will be put in writing and signed by the accommodation seeker and an officer of the Co-op. A signed copy of the Accommodation Plan will be maintained by the Co-op.

An Accommodation Plan may include the following:

  1. A statement of the accommodation seeker’s relevant limitations and needs, including any necessary assessments and information from health practitioners, bearing in mind the need to maintain the confidentiality of medical reports;
  2. Arrangements for necessary assessments by health practitioners;
  3. Identification of the most appropriate accommodation short of undue hardship;
  4. Clear timelines for the provision of identified accommodations; and
  5. Criteria for determining the success of the Accommodation Plan, together with a mechanism for review and re-assessment of the Accommodation Plan as necessary.

8. Monitoring Accommodations
footnote 10

The manager of the Co-op and the person receiving accommodation will monitor the success of the Accommodation Plan, and shall promptly address any deficiencies or relevant changes in the Co-op or the individual’s needs.

9. Undue Hardship

Accommodation will be provided to the point of undue hardship, as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on Ableism and Discrimination Based on Disability. A determination regarding undue hardship will be based on an objective assessment of costs, outside sources of funding, and health and safety. 11 The standard for undue hardship is high, and the burden of proof is on the Co-op.

A determination that an accommodation will create undue hardship may only be made by the Board of Directors of the Co-op.12

An individual making a request for accommodation may be encouraged to offset the costs of accommodation by applying for outside funding or programs that are only available to individuals. The manager of the Co-op may assist in identifying these funding sources.

Where a determination is made that an accommodation would create undue hardship, the person requesting accommodation will be given written notice, including the reasons for the decision and the objective evidence relied upon. The accommodation seeker shall also be informed of his/her recourse under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Where a determination has been made that an accommodation would cause undue hardship, the manager of the Co-op will work with the accommodation seeker to develop and implement the next best accommodation short of undue hardship or will consider phasing in the requested accommodation.

FOOTNOTES:

1. This policy is intended to be consistent with and complement Human Rights By-Law #70.

2 For more information on undue hardship, please see section 8.

3 The “Duty to Accommodate” under the Human Rights Code is not limited to needs related to a disability, but applies to all enumerated grounds under the Code, including race, age, sex, gender identity, family status, creed (religion), place of origin and citizenship, and the receipt of public assistance. While the focus of this policy is accommodating the needs of residents with disabilities, the principles apply equally to all enumerated grounds.

4 See Spending By-Law #90 and Human Rights By-Law #70, subsection 2.7.

5 It is important to note that some individuals may be unable to disclose or communicate accommodation needs, due to the nature of their disability. For example, persons with some mental disabilities may be unaware of their accommodation needs, or may be reluctant to disclose them because of fear of stigma or stereotypes. The Co-op may offer assistance and accommodation to persons who are clearly unwell and in need of assistance, or who are perceived to have a disability, even where no accommodation request is made.

6 The Co-op will be careful to collect only information that is necessary. A careful approach to the collection of documentation not only protects the privacy of the accommodation seeker, it protects the Co-op from potential complaints. All parties must exercise good faith in seeking and providing information.

7 An appropriate health practitioner is a member of a regulated health care profession such as a medical doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist or social worker who is qualified to provide an opinion on a request for accommodation. In some cases, the need for accommodation is obvious and there will be no need for supporting medical information.

8  Requests for accommodation may involve the disclosure of private or highly sensitive information. In order for individuals to feel comfortable when making accommodation requests, they must feel confident that the information they provide will be treated confidentially, and shared only as necessary for the accommodation process.

9 A formal accommodation plan ensures that the parties clearly understand their roles and responsibilities, and facilitates accountability and regular monitoring.

10 Accommodation needs and the Co-op’s realities may change over time. As well, accommodation may require adjustments during and after implementation in order to improve effectiveness or efficiency.

11 A detailed explanation of these three factors can be found in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on Ableism and Discrimination Based on Disability (2016) at section 9, available online at: http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/policy-ableism-and-discrimination-based-disability.

12 The determination that an accommodation will cause undue hardship is a complex decision, with potentially significant legal consequences, and should therefore be made by the Board of Directors of the Co-op. The basis for this conclusion should be thoroughly documented, and the accommodation seeker provided with clear reasons for the decision.

See also:

Woodsworth pamphlet – Guide to Woodsworth’s Accommodation Policy for Disabilities and forms
 https://www.woodsworthcoop.ca/index.php/guide-to-woodsworths-accommodation-policy/