Mayor John Tory has announced all three levels of government are providing $4.5 million to the Toronto Police Service in an effort to combat a recent spike in shootings across the city.
“Over the last several days we have seen a spike in gun violence in Toronto that is deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable,” a statement released Monday afternoon by Tory’s office said.
“The governments agreed to provide the funding to immediately support police efforts to keep communities safe and to help redouble efforts to prevent criminal activity and combat the activities of street gangs.”
According to the statement, the money — which came after discussions between Tory, Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones and federal Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction Minister Bill Blair — will support “immediate efforts to address the current violence.”
Premier Doug Ford said the provincial government’s $1.5 million share is part of its four-year, $25-million gun and violence funding commitment.
“I’m proud we’re taking the necessary steps today to give our men and women in uniform the extra boost they need to go after these violent criminals. They have our backs and we will always have theirs,” he said in a statement.
“Mayor Tory and Chief Saunders have indicated a pressing need for the provincial contribution to the gun and gang fight to be used to support surge funding for anti-gun and gang police operations. Today, our government is delivering by taking the necessary steps to authorize up to $1.5 million of our contribution to be used to put boots on the ground where they are needed most to keep people safe.”
Chief Mark Saunders said Toronto police have developed a “comprehensive plan” to tackle the increase in gun violence, but the specifics of it haven’t been announced yet.
“We know that most gun violence in Toronto is directly connected to street gang activity,” he wrote in a statement.
“I will launch the Service’s plan in the coming days and we will continue to work with our communities to reduce gun violence in our city. Together we will create safer spaces.”
More to come.