The organization behind Toronto’s Salsa on St. Clair festival says it may end the long-running event unless the City of Toronto and Toronto Police commit to stronger safety measures following Saturday’s deadly shooting.

In a statement released Tuesday, TLN Media Group said it is seeking accountability from city officials after gunfire erupted during the festival, killing two people and injuring five others.

“Unless City officials provide concrete commitments to enhance policing and security on and around St. Clair Avenue, we will be discontinuing our involvement,” the organization said.

TLN said the tragedy has raised serious concerns about public safety at large community events, arguing that warning signs circulating on social media before the festival should have prompted additional security measures. While criticizing what it described as a lack of leadership from public officials, the organization also thanked Toronto Police for their rapid response once the shooting occurred.

The annual festival, which has celebrated Latin culture, music and food since 2005, was cancelled for Sunday following the violence.

The Hillcrest Village BIA, which helped launch the festival alongside TLN, said it had already been considering ending the event, suggesting the neighbourhood has evolved into a destination that no longer depends on the festival. However, BIA officials agreed that broader discussions about improving safety at public events are necessary.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw called the shooting deeply troubling, saying the violence has shaken the city’s sense of security. He renewed calls for stronger laws targeting offenders who use firearms in crowded public spaces and emphasized that preventing gun violence requires cooperation from governments, schools, communities and families.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been announced.