Media Statement: Gun violence reduction

TORONTO, August 14, 2019 — Toronto Community Housing has released the following statement today from its President and CEO Kevin Marshman. 

"We welcome the announcement today by Chief Mark Saunders. As is the case in neighbourhoods across the city, gun violence has a devastating impact on everyone who lives or works in our TCHC communities. Finding solutions to gun violence requires the collective efforts of all three levels of government, community partners and law enforcement agencies, and Toronto Community Housing is committed to ensuring we are doing everything we can to contribute to this shared mission. 

"Our efforts include implementing our own violence reduction program in 10 high-needs communities. Dedicated Community Safety Unit special constables in these communities will follow a community policing model, emphasizing relationship-building, listening to tenants, crime prevention and partnerships to identify and address safety and security needs. 

"At the same time, tenant engagement and City resources will be increased in these communities to deliver additional supports, particularly to youth and families, as well as summer jobs, scholarships, internships and other programs. To support youth in our communities, this year Toronto Community Housing is providing summer jobs and scholarships to more than 400 youth, and we have connected another 500 youth to employment supports and job counselling. 

"We continue to work closely with Toronto Police Service, the City of Toronto, community agencies and our tenants to implement solutions that improve community safety and actively deter crime. And we continue to actively listen to our tenants to learn more about their specific safety needs to better understand how we can address them." 

About Toronto Community Housing: 

Toronto Community Housing is Canada's largest social housing provider. We provide homes for nearly 60,000 low- and moderate-income households in neighbourhoods across the city. 

Media contact:  

media@torontohousing.ca | 416-737-1352