While many fans could not afford tickets, top City of Toronto emergency officials worked at the Rogers Centre during the World Series and Taylor Swift's 2024 concerts, according to a Toronto Sun investigation.
Executive-Level Presence Confirmed
The Toronto Sun confirmed that executive-level officials from police, fire, paramedics, and emergency management worked at the stadium during multiple Swift shows and World Series games, but not at any other time in 2024 or 2025. A freedom-of-information request revealed that Joanna Beaven-Desjardins, executive director of emergency management, worked at 1 Blue Jays Way on November 14, 15, 16, and 21, 2024 — dates of four Swift concerts — and on October 31 and November 1, 2025, for Games 6 and 7 of the World Series.
Toronto Fire Services confirmed Chief Jim Jessop was present but did not provide dates. Two sources said Jessop was at the stadium alongside Beaven-Desjardins. Paramedic Chief Bikram Chawla was present on November 22, 2024 (a Swift show) and October 25, 2025 (a World Series game). Deputy chiefs from paramedics also worked during Swift shows and the Blue Jays' postseason.
Questions About Necessity
City spokesperson Russell Baker stated that an incident management team was assembled for each event, staffed according to best practices. However, an anonymous official from one emergency department suggested the executives were enjoying a VIP perk while subordinates did the actual work. The official claimed these positions were mere seat-warmers for high-profile events.
The Blue Jays, who manage operations at Rogers Centre, did not respond to requests for comment. It remains unclear whether the executives were eligible for overtime or paid duty.
City executives attended events with astronomical ticket prices, yet emergency preparedness was not unusual. The Rogers Centre regularly hosts sold-out events, including Blue Jays games and concerts by artists like The Weeknd, without such high-level presence.
The Sun reported that policing Game 7 of the World Series cost over $400,000 in overtime, and emergency management spent $134,000 on staffing for the Swift concerts.
