Ontario police investigating allegations retirement home staff removed handles from residents’ doors

According to a press statement released on Monday, an investigation began on Friday after allegations that staff members removed door handles to some residential units.

"The DRPS Criminal Investigations Bureau at East Division is looking into the matter and we will be reaching out to our community partners and oversight bodies to properly address these concerns," the statement says.

Additionally, complaints have also been received of threats being made against staff at the retirement home.

President and CEO of Diversicare Canada David Bird called the allegations against staff deeply disturbing, telling Global News: "As soon as we became aware of the incident, all residents’ door handles were immediately reinstalled. The general manager was immediately placed on leave as soon as we learned of the incident.... We are thankful no residents were harmed due to these actions and I am thankful that this serious incident was brought to our attention."

"As part of our investigation, we are trying to establish how long the doors were without handles. There is absolutely no excuse to remove door handles – ever. We never lock-in or prevent the free movement of our residents."

Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Hilliard of the East Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1657.