ICYMI: Friends mourn ‘kind and gentle’ Guelph man killed in workplace incident

This article was previously published in GuelphToday.

Cameron Downey was an “incredibly friendly” person on The Ward.

He used to be a vendor at The Ward Night Market with his freeze-dried candies he called WTF (Woah That Froze) Candies. “He is incredibly friendly. He was kind,” said Meredith Sweeney, also Ward’s neighbor and director of The Ward Night Market, in an interview with GuelphToday.

Last Thursday, the Guelph man died while working in Mississauga. The Ministry of Labor is investigating.

“He certainly had a natural gift for attracting people,” Sweeney said.

In the markets people were interested in who he was, as he had long hair, wore an interesting outfit that included a top hat, jewelry and handmade leather cuffs. If he wasn’t selling at one of the markets, she said people would ask where the “candy guy” was.

Downey joined The Ward Night Market around the time it started in 2021. In the summer, one of the market’s themes was inspired by him, as he was involved with the Live Action Role Playing (LARP) community. The Ward Night Market showcased Ward Ren-Faire and encouraged people to dress in Renaissance attire. Sweeney knew he was the person to turn to for advice on the topic and to suggest people to be vendors.

She described him as secure and “in a non-patronizing way, like a teddy bear.” He helped people set up tables and tents in the markets. People didn’t ask him for help, he just walked up and told people, “I’ll get it.”

The Friday before last, Sweeney spoke with Downey and his mother Charlene, who told him about all of her son’s qualities. “They are a truly admirable family,” Sweeney said.

His mother informed Sweeney on October 11 that he had died the day before.

Peel Regional Police say they responded to an industrial accident at Dundas Street East and Wharton Way in Mississauga around 6pm on October 10. An adult male in his 20s succumbed to his injuries.

“The industrial accident was not considered suspicious and the Ministry of Labor has taken over the investigation,” Const.Michelle Stafford, Peel Regional Police public information officer, said in an email.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. It is being reported that the employer is SecurU Inc. and that the worker was fatally injured after coming into contact with high voltage wires. Two MLITSD inspectors responded to the scene to investigate. As the investigation is still ongoing, further details cannot be provided at this time,” the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) said in an email response to GuelphToday’s media inquiry.

Sweeney told a tight-knit group of vendors about Downey’s passing and later posted a video with clips of him on social media.

“Cam’s charm, positivity, and bright smile made him a prominent presence at every market he attended, and it was always a joy to have him front and center, where his big personality attracted everyone,” read part of the post.

“I remember the joy this guy gave us every time we went to the market, as if we were friends even though we were strangers. You will be missed by many,” said one commenter on The Ward Night Market’s Instagram post.

“The sweetest man. Thank you for these moving/heartbreaking memories,” wrote another commenter.

“He was so sweet! His absence will certainly be felt. Rest in peace, Cam,” said another.

Sweeney said Downey attended John F. Ross in high school and in 10th grade was part of the Community Environmental Leadership Program. A program that counted for school credits and was surrounded by outdoor experience and leadership. Sweeney participated in this program on the Upper Grand District School Board years before.

Knowing that Downey was part of the program and volunteered at the Royal City Mission showed that he was an incredible person “who was on a trajectory to do such incredible things in this community, and he already has, so it’s a huge loss,” Sweeney said. She is devastated for his family. After hearing about him from others, she would like to get to know him better.

She called him an incredible person who could have been a best friend to hundreds of people.

In his honor, donations will be collected in his name for the Royal City Mission at The Ward Night Market on October 24 at the Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church at 115 York Rd.

“Knowing Cam and his spirit, we definitely want to have fun,” Sweeney said.

“I know he liked Halloween, and I know he liked the markets, and he would like us to continue and not just make this a dark time. So let’s continue with the market as normal, but with this donation in mind. And I know he will be on our minds,” she said.