In 2023, the city of Toronto continued its downward trend in gun violence incidents. This came after reaching a historic peak five years ago.

In 2019, the Toronto Police Service reported 469 shooting incidents resulting in about 270 people killed or injured.

By December 20, 2023, these numbers had dropped by nearly 30%, with 326 reports of firearm use and 153 killed or injured.

Supervisor Steve Watts, who works in the organized crime unit of the Toronto Police, said this is a significant decrease compared to other places in Canada or the United States, where shooting incidents and murders are increasing.

Watts attributed this success, at least partially, to a focus on arrests, interventions, and prevention strategies.

He also added that the reduction in gun violence means fewer victims and paves the way for more solutions in investigations related to shootings. The police solved 15% of cases before 2019 and more than 50% this year.

Supervisor Steve Watts said the main goal is to maintain this downward trend through community and social programs involving other sectors and the public.

"The long-term solution to gang violence and gun violence involves many other factors, including housing and safety, funding and security, as well as environmental factors. This is what we have widely echoed," Watts explained.

Louis Marsh is the founder of the Zero Gun Movement group. He praised the federal government for increasing border patrols with the United States, thus helping stop the illegal import of firearms into Canada.

He also praised the involvement of various sectors such as health, education, social and community services, and youth services in an initiative implemented under the SafeTO plan in 2021.

They no longer work in silos. He added that it is a more collaborative approach.

However, Louis Marsh warned and pointed out that other crimes, such as vehicle theft, are rising, or robberies that can also be committed using gun violence.

Louis Marsh, founder of the Zero Gun Movement group, said that increased border patrols helped stop the illegal import of firearms into Canada.

He emphasized the need to invest in community programs, housing, employment, and mental health, especially in historically deprived areas of the city.

In conclusion, Marsh highlighted the importance of statistics, which can also reflect the feeling of insecurity fueled by violence in the transit system or daylight shootings.