Moss Park Residents Speak Out on Safety, Demanding Real Change Inside Their Buildings

Safety, housing issues, and community well-being remain urgent concerns for residents across Moss Park—especially for tenants navigating daily challenges inside their buildings while thinking about the future of their neighborhood. On March 26, 2026, residents, community members, and local partners gathered at 295 Shuter Street for a Moss Park Safety Network meeting focused on tenant safety and neighborhood concerns. The session, moderated by Abel Tesfaldet from the City of Toronto’s Violence Intervention & Support Unit, brought together Toronto Police 51 Division, Toronto Community Housing staff, and tenant leaders. But it was residents’ voices that defined the tone of the meeting. Police updates showed a mixed picture. According to Toronto Police 51 Division, overall crime statistics in the area have decreased compared to the same period last year, including fewer assaults and break-ins. “We’re under every type of offense compared to last year,” said Sergeant Robert Chevalier, pointing to a drop in major incidents. Still, that data did little to reassure many in the room. “Our concerns aren’t just numbers—we are experiencing the violence,” one resident said, pushing back on the focus on statistics and highlighting the gap between reported data and lived reality. Much of the discussion centered on daily safety inside Toronto Community Housing buildings, particularly at 200 Wellesley Street East. Residents described broken entry points, poor lighting, and unsecured spaces that allow non-residents to enter freely. “We call security, we call the police—nobody comes,” one tenant said. “We still have the problem.” Others pointed to ongoing issues with noise, drug activity, and loitering in common areas and near playgrounds. One resident described constant late-night disturbances: “They play music until one or two in the morning… why should we have to live with that?” Concerns about security were also widespread. Several tenants criticized the effectiveness of current guards, saying their presence has become largely passive. “They just sit there with their phones… they don’t pay attention to who’s coming in,” one long-time resident said, calling for more active patrols and accountability. Toronto Community Housing representatives acknowledged many of the issues, pointing to a recent safety audit that identified key problems such as broken doors, poor lighting, and gaps in building security. Proposed solutions—including infrastructure upgrades and increased outreach to residents experiencing homelessness and substance use—are currently under review. Officials emphasized that reporting incidents remains critical. “We’re only working with what gets reported,” one staff member said, encouraging residents to continue documenting concerns through official channels and anonymous tips. But for many tenants, the frustration runs deeper than process. “All of us live here—you don’t,” one resident told officials. “We want safety. That’s the priority.” The conversation also touched on broader challenges, including the city’s housing crisis and the need for more on-site supports. Local representatives acknowledged that some newly housed residents require additional services, suggesting that having dedicated staff in buildings could help reduce conflict and improve stability. Despite the tension, the meeting created space for direct dialogue between residents and decision-makers—something many said is long overdue. As Moss Park continues to evolve, tenants made one message clear: any changes to the neighborhood must prioritize the people who already call it home. The meeting stands as a reminder that while crime statistics may show improvement, for many residents in Moss Park, the reality of safety is shaped by what they experience every day inside their buildings.