TORONTO — The city is increasing its police presence after French police said at least 100 people were killed inside a concert hall in Paris where attackers had seized hostages Friday night.
Toronto police said they are providing additional officers in the downtown core Friday night in the wake of the Paris attacks.
READ MORE: Police official says at least 100 dead inside Paris concert hall
Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook said the extra police officers were being deployed as a precaution, but added there are no specific numbers on the increased police presence.
A spokesman for Air Canada said they were “monitoring the tragic situation in Paris very closely as it evolves.”
“We plan to operate our flights to and from Paris at this time,” said John Reber, director of media relations, adding that the latest flight schedule information is available on their website.
“However, we have waived change fees to assist customers with tickets to Paris who wish to change their flight to a later date.”
Mayor John Tory tweeted Friday that the “people of Toronto stand with Paris and offer our solidarity and support at this heartbreaking time.”
He added that he had reached out to the French Consulate in Toronto to express sympathy and inquire about what assistance they could offer.
The city has also instructed staff to light the “TORONTO” sign at Nathan Phillips Square in the colours of the French flag to show solidarity in the wake of the attacks. The CN Tower also lit up blue, white and red Friday.
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Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said in a tweet Friday night that she was “shocked and saddened to hear of the terrorist attacks” in Paris, adding that “our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.”
READ MORE: Eyewitnesses give terrifying account of the Paris shootings
The French Consulate in Toronto sent out a brief tweet after the attacks that said “horror and sadness” in response to the attacks.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is asking travellers to France to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said in a tweet that the “tragic news” out of Paris tonight was “unthinkable,” before sending thoughts and prayers to those killed, injured and the law enforcement agencies responding to the attacks.
The Canadian Embassy in France urged Canadians in France to call 1-613-996-8885 or email sos@international.gc.ca.
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