Toronto's Million-Dollar Overtime Bill for World Series Game 7 Exposed
Newly released freedom-of-information data has revealed that Toronto municipal services racked up more than $1 million in overtime pay during the two days surrounding Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. The figures, obtained by the Toronto Sun, provide a detailed breakdown of how much extra compensation city employees earned while working during the championship baseball game that saw the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings.
TTC Leads Overtime Spending with Nearly Half-Million Dollar Bill
The Toronto Transit Commission accounted for the largest portion of overtime expenses, with data showing the agency paid out just over $460,000 in overtime for November 1, 2025—the day of the historic game. An additional $230,000 was paid for November 2, bringing the TTC's total overtime expenditure to approximately $690,000 for the two-day period.
According to the released figures, 3,270 TTC employees received overtime compensation for their shifts on November 1 alone. The majority worked in public-facing roles, with 1,737 from the bus transportation division, 295 from streetcar transportation, 221 in subway transportation, and 213 working at TTC stations.
Dozens of Employees Earned Four-Figure Overtime Pay
While most TTC workers earned modest overtime amounts—with fewer than 700 employees receiving more than $100 in extra pay—dozens cleared over $1,000 in overtime compensation for their work during the championship game. The data shows 43 TTC employees earned more than $1,000 in overtime specifically for November 1.
The signals, electrical and communication department had the highest number of big earners, with 21 employees pulling in more than $1,000 in overtime. Other departments with workers breaking the $1,000 barrier included construction management, employee services, revenue operations, transit control, and the rail cars and shops department.
Police and Emergency Services Contribute Significantly to Overtime Costs
The Toronto Police Service reported $281,902.86 in overtime pay directly attributable to policing Game 7 during the overnight period spanning November 1-2. Their total overtime payout for that period reached $438,545, with the police service noting that the remaining $156,642 was consistent with typical Saturday night overtime costs in November.
Other emergency services also contributed to the substantial overtime bill:
- Toronto Paramedic Services: $33,889.61
- Toronto Fire Services: $24,508.00
- Emergency Management Division: $12,769.12
City Defends Spending as Necessary for Major Event
In a statement provided to the Toronto Sun, the City of Toronto emphasized that November 1 was "not a typical Saturday night" due to the combination of the World Series Game 7 and Halloween festivities occurring simultaneously. The city stated that staffing levels were consistent with other large-scale events and necessary to support emergency services, manage downtown traffic flows, and minimize disruption to residents near the Rogers Centre.
The freedom-of-information request revealed that while the TTC provided detailed overtime figures, the agency did not respond to multiple requests for comment about the spending. The city also declined to provide comparative overtime figures for a typical autumn Saturday night when asked for context by the Toronto Sun.
Special Constables Among High Earners During Championship Game
The data shows that 16 special constables with the TTC cleared $1,000 in overtime pay for November 1. Interestingly, no special constables reached that $1,000 milestone for November 2, according to the released figures.
While most overtime earners received substantial compensation, the data also reveals some surprisingly small payments. Three bus transportation employees earned just 81 cents in overtime for their work on the day of the championship game.
The comprehensive overtime figures provide unprecedented insight into the municipal costs associated with hosting major sporting events in Canada's largest city, raising questions about budgeting for such occasions and transparency in municipal spending.
