East York parents fight for crossing guard fired for feeding birds

An East York neighbourhood is rallying behind a crossing guard fired from her job for feeding birds and squirrels in the area.

Lisa Dunn says she was let go after three years as a crossing guard at Doncaster Avenue and Main Street, where she says she made many friends, was gifted dozens of children's drawings and received plenty of thank-you cards.

Dunn says she fed the animals because she is an animal-lover, but that a disgruntled neighbour complained. Feeding wildlife violates a city bylaw. She says the company that hired her did give her a warning, but she didn't think she'd be fired for something so simple. 

"Now I have to struggle to find a job as a single mom," Dunn said.

Dunn said she is willing to stop feeding the animals, but at the moment, remains out of a job and is hoping the company has a change of heart. 

Under Toronto's animal bylaw, effective April 2023, feeding wildlife is prohibited across the city on both public and private property.

"Feeding wild animals changes their natural instincts and may increase their presence and tolerance of people, creating problems for both wildlife and Toronto communities.

"When food is left out for animals, it can attract other animals such as mice, rats, squirrels, and raccoons which in return can attract other larger predators," the city said in a news release at the time. 

The city says it hires external suppliers that employ school crossing guards, which means school crossing guards are not employees of the City of Toronto.  

"While we are not privy to staffing decisions made by the external supplier, the city has performance requirements for school crossing guards, including their conduct, which requires compliance with all laws," the city said in a statement. "We expect that children's safety is the school crossing guards' number one priority at all times."

Synergy, the company that hired Dunn, told CBC News termination is a "last resort" after an employee has been given opportunities to improve and comply with company policies but fails to do so.

Asked about Dunn specifically, the company said it could not disclose specific details about employment matters. 

"Synergy is a fair and equitable employer, and we provide all employees with training, support and guidance to enable them to be successful in their role," the company said in a statement, adding any allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and a "progressive model of discipline" is followed to help improve employees' conduct. 

Meanwhile, hundreds in the community are now rallying for Dunn to get her job back.