A Toronto community traumatized by gun violence this summer took part in a special town hall meeting with police Thursday night.

Police Chief Bill Blair, accompanied by his colleagues in 43 Division and city officials, addressed residents living on Danzig Street for more than an hour, promising them that officers were there to help restore a sense of safety and peace on the streets.

“We are not going away,” he said “If you have any questions, or concerns about safety, we're here to listen and respond.”

Police said earlier this week that they believe a notorious street gang known as the Galloway Boys were behind a mass shooting in the neighbourhood on July 16 that left 23 people injured and two people dead.

The gunfight, which took place in a parking lot on Danzig Street where a community barbeque was being held, is considered the worst mass shooting in Toronto’s history.

Detectives on the Danzig case have since been able to link the Galloway Boys to nine acts of gun violence in southeast Scarborough since December 30, 2011.

The Toronto Police Service has responded by putting more officers on the streets in some of the victimized communities.

Investigators have been asking the community to come forward and identify those involved but witnesses have not been forthcoming in fear of facing retaliation on the street.

On Thursday Blair acknowledged this and thanked those that have come forward to help the investigation.

“Honest, decent citizens are coming forward but we could use even more help,” he said during the meeting which was held outdoors in a casual setting.

“We know how difficult it can be for some individuals to come forward with information to police,” he said. “We know one of the greatest impediments in people coming forward is fear. One of the reasons why we have been here and why I am here tonight is to provide you with the assurance that we will be here.”

To the dozens of people who stood or sat around, listening to Blair make his opening remarks, the police chief vowed to not only protect the community from criminals but to help the youth access the positive opportunities available to them through local programs.

I know the quality of the people that live here. I know it’s a neighbourhood full of great people,” he said. “I know this is a neighbourhood with kids full of remarkable potential and huge promise.”

Citizens ask what’s being done

A number of people came forward to ask Blair about what the federal government is doing to block the smuggling of guns across the U.S. border, why there aren’t more community programs available and what Toronto police are doing to improve relationships within the community.

“What happens when the mics are off and the cameras are gone later tonight? I want to know what is being done to make police and city have stronger relationship,” said one citizen.

Blair apologized for the “awkward” media presence but reiterated that officers are staying in the neighbourhood in an effort to gain the confidence of people living in the area.

Another citizen told Blair she’s afraid the community is being unfairly stereotyped.
“I feel the neighbourhood is being portrayed that any black man walking in this community is a Galloway Boy,” she said.

“We know there are a lot of good people here,” Blair said. “We are talking about a couple hundred people.”

“This is a neighbourhood full of families and we will be here to protect it,” he said.