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Mayors

Toronto Mayor Promises Justice for 8-Year-Old Shot by Stray Bullet

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has assured the mother of JahVai Roy, an eight-year-old boy killed by a stray bullet, that the city and police are doing everything possible to find the shooter. Chow made the promise after speaking with JahVai's mother, Holly Roy, who was lying in bed with her son when he was killed. The mayor acknowledged that while the city's efforts to reduce gun violence are showing signs of success, with shootings down to 179 so far this year, the "randomness" of recent shootings is alarming. Chow has faced criticism over her handling of public safety issues, with a recent poll showing 55 per cent of respondents disapproving of her approach to the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has promised the mother of JahVai Roy that the city and police are doing everything possible to find the shooter responsible for his death.
  • Chow has spoken with JahVai's mother, Holly Roy, who was lying in bed with her son when he was killed.
  • The mayor acknowledged that while the city's efforts to reduce gun violence are showing signs of success, with shootings down to 179 so far this year, the "randomness" of recent shootings is alarming.
  • Chow has faced criticism over her handling of public safety issues, with a recent poll showing 55 per cent of respondents disapproving of her approach to the issue.
  • The Toronto Police Service's 2025 operating budget is $1.22 billion, not $1.22 million as previously reported.
  • Chow has launched a summer safety plan with Police Chief Myron Demkiw to address the root causes of violence among young people.
  • The SafeTO program has a budget of $43 million, with $5 million allocated to youth violence prevention programs.
  • Chow's 2025 budget includes an additional $46 million for the Toronto Police Service, bringing its operating budget to $1.22 billion.
  • The city is hiring 360 officers a year as part of the police service's five-year staffing plan.
  • Chow has asked the federal government for help cracking down on illegal guns smuggled in from the U.S.

Statistics:

  • Shootings in Toronto are down to 179 so far this year, compared to 303 during the same period in 2024.
  • The number of people injured or killed in shootings has dropped by about 18 per cent, according to police statistics.
  • 55 per cent of respondents disapprove of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's handling of the crime issue, according to a recent poll by Liaison Strategies.
  • The Toronto Police Service's 2025 operating budget is $1.22 billion.
  • $43 million has been allocated to the SafeTO program, with $5 million allocated to youth violence prevention programs.

Sources:

  • "Toronto Mayor Promises Justice for 8-Year-Old Shot by Stray Bullet," Toronto Star, August 20, 2025, page A2
  • "Mayor Olivia Chow's 2025 Budget Includes $46 Million More for Toronto Police Service," Toronto Star, August 20, 2025, page A2
  • "City Launches Summer Safety Plan to Address Root Causes of Violence Among Young People," Toronto Star, June 2025
  • "Poll Finds 55 Per Cent of Respondents Disapprove of Mayor Chow's Handling of Crime Issue," Liaison Strategies, August 2025

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