Local authorities are ramping up security in the GTA as officials in Ottawa scramble to secure the capital in the wake of a deadly shooting near Parliament Hill.

Speaking to the media at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair said the city is increasing security at a number of public spaces in order to reassure the public.

“What has transpired in Ottawa today is cause of great concern for all Canadians in every community. We take nothing for granted. We will never be complacent,” Blair said.

Blair said the enhanced vigilance will take place both in public spaces like Toronto City Hall, court houses, consulates and transit facilities as well as behind the scenes. However he emphasized that there is no immediate danger that police are aware of.

“There is no known credible threat here in the city of Toronto,” Blair said.

He added that local officials began coordinating heightened security measures in the city “within minutes” of the deadly shootings in Ottawa.

Police in Durham Region also released a statement saying they are monitoring the situation, but are not aware of any specific threat to the region.

In a statement Wednesday morning the TTC said it was implementing heightened security across the entire transit system in the wake of the shootings and said riders can expect to see an increased presence of transit enforcement officers and police officers on subway trains and in subway stations.

The transit commission also reassured customers that there is no immediate threat to the city’s transit infrastructure.

“At this time, there is no credible threat to public transit in Toronto. Nevertheless, all TTC personnel will be looking for suspicious activity or suspicious packages to ensure the TTC remains safe,” the statement said. “Customers who see something are asked to say something to a uniformed TTC employee or police.”

In its statement the TTC said it began implementing heightened security measures two weeks ago after ISIS made comments with respect to Canada’s involvement in combating the group.

An increased security presence was also visible Wednesday afternoon at downtown’s Union Station, a major transit hub for the city.

GO Transit said that the security of it customers is its top concern and that it is also taking added security precautions.

“Although there is no specific threat to @GOtransit, we are taking further steps to ensure safety & security of our customers,” Metrolinx said on its Twitter page.

Pearson International Airport said operations continue to run normally at the country’s largest airport.

Ontario Provincial Police said they are assisting Ottawa police and RCMP, but added that there have not been any reports of public safety issues in areas they patrol.

City officials react

Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, whom council granted many of the mayor’s powers last November, told reporters at a press conference Wednesday afternoon that he immediately requested an enhanced police presence at city hall following news of the shootings.

“As a city government, we’ve moved to an enhanced level of security at city hall, metro hall and civic stations,” Kelly said.

He reiterated that there is no specific threat against the city, but said the city is being diligent in light of the violence.

Kelly also said he has asked for the flag at city hall to be flown at half-mast because of the tragedy.

Mayor Rob Ford, who is currently seeking treatment for a rare cancer, took to Twitter to say “The thoughts and prayers of #Toronto are with #Ottawa right now, and with the families of those affected by these attacks.”

Local events affected

A number of events and services are also being affected by the heightened security concerns.

A ceremony that was planned to bestow Pakistani teen Malala Yousafzai with honorary Canadian citizenship was postponed today.

The Raptors also advised fans that they should leave extra time to enter the Air Canada Centre for a pre-season game against Maccabi Haifa Wednesday evening because of added security measures.

“Our top priority is ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our fans and both teams for tonight's pre-season game,” MLSE vice president Wayne Zronik said in a statement. “We have worked very closely with the Toronto Police to ensure heightened security measures for tonight's game and we very much appreciate the patience and cooperation of all those in attendance.”

In the meantime a televised mayoral debate will go ahead as planned at 6:30 p.m.

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