The incident that unfolded in North York this past Saturday night has left local residents shaken and concerned about neighborhood safety. A man in his 30s was hospitalized following a shooting near Jane Street and Grandravine Drive, an area that has seen similar incidents in recent months.
Toronto Police responded to reports of gunshots around 11:30 p.m., arriving to find the victim with serious injuries. Emergency services transported him to a trauma center where he remains in stable condition, according to my sources at Toronto Police Service.
“We heard what sounded like firecrackers at first,” said Maria Gonzalez, who lives in an apartment overlooking the scene. “Then there were sirens everywhere. It’s becoming too common around here.”
This marks the third shooting incident in the Jane-Finch corridor this month alone, raising questions about community safety measures. The area has long struggled with periodic violence despite numerous community-led initiatives aimed at creating safer neighborhoods.
Local councilor Anthony Perruzza expressed his concerns when I spoke with him yesterday. “We need a comprehensive approach that addresses root causes while ensuring immediate safety for residents. Every incident like this affects hundreds of families who simply want to live in peace.”
Police have yet to release suspect information but confirmed they’re reviewing security footage from nearby businesses and residences. Investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward, especially those who might have dashcam footage from the area between 11:15 p.m. and midnight on Saturday.
The Toronto Community Housing Corporation, which manages several properties in the vicinity, announced they’ll be conducting a safety review in consultation with residents. Their spokesperson confirmed additional security personnel will patrol the area in coming weeks.
For context, Toronto has seen approximately 215 shootings this year according to Toronto Police data, a slight decrease from the same period last year. However, specific neighborhoods continue to bear a disproportionate burden of these incidents.
Community advocate Desmond Williams, who runs youth programs in the area, told me, “Every time something like this happens, it undoes months of positive work. The kids we work with deserve to feel safe walking home.”
The victim’s identity hasn’t been released, but police indicated he was known to frequent the area. Whether this was a targeted attack remains under investigation.
As I walked through the neighborhood yesterday afternoon, the mood was somber but resilient. Corner stores were open, kids played in nearby parks, and life continued despite the yellow police tape still visible on one section of the street.
If you have information about this incident, Toronto Police ask that you contact 31 Division or Crime Stoppers anonymously. The investigation continues.
