WATCH ABOVE: Mark Carcasole looks at how security is being heightened across Toronto.
TORONTO – Security has been stepped up across Toronto in the wake of a shooting in Ottawa that left two people – one of whom was a Canadian soldier – dead.
Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair made the announcement at an afternoon press conference from police headquarters on College Street several hours after the shooting.
“These steps are being taken through an abundance of caution. Let me remind you again, there is no specific threat, but we will always err on the side of caution in the protection of our citizens,” he said.
WATCH: Parliament Hill shooting timeline
There will be extra police patrolling Queen’s Park, the TTC, Pearson International Airport and public spaces in Toronto.
“I’ve cancelled some leave, I’ve got some people working overtime. We’re making sure we’ve got people out there working today,” he said. “I think the visible presence of police can have two very positive effects. It can deter those individuals who might choose to victimize others and it can also send a message of reassurance to the public.”
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READ MORE: Canada under lockdown after Ottawa shootings
The TTC actually began heightening security two weeks after threats by ISIS and will have extra security looking for suspicious activity, according to a statement from the transit commission.
“We take nothing for granted, we will never be complacent,” Blair said.
“At the same time I think it’s important to reassure the citizens of Toronto, there is no threat in Toronto at this time.”
Blair advised the Toronto Police were working with the RCMP, CSIS and OPP to monitor the ongoing situation.
Multiple shootings in Ottawa forced parliament into lockdown Wednesday morning. The first shooting occurred shortly before 10 a.m. at the War Memorial when one of the two ceremonial guards was shot. He was taken to hospital where he later died.
The second shooting happened inside Parliament a short time later. A reporter inside the building at the time captured the incident and the sounds of dozens of gunshots fired at the suspect. He was killed and has not yet been identified by Ottawa Police.
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