Salsa on St. Clair festival loses key sponsor after deadly shooting

By: The Canadian Press Posted:

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TORONTO - A popular Latin street festival in Toronto has lost a key sponsor not long after a deadly shooting.

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TORONTO – A popular Latin street festival in Toronto has lost a key sponsor not long after a deadly shooting.

In a letter dated last Thursday and obtained by The Canadian Press, Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Association says its board has voted to discontinue sponsorship of the Salsa on St. Clair festival.

It comes after two people were killed and several others were injured in a shooting at the festival on July 11, prompting the cancellation of its second day.

Police respond to a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair event in Toronto, on Saturday, July 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman
Police respond to a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair event in Toronto, on Saturday, July 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman

TLN Media Group, an organizer of the festival, says it wasn’t a surprise that the sponsor dropped out given the violence.

President Aldo Di Felice says its primary concern is the safety and security of all participants.

He says the mayor’s office has committed to working with organizers to ensure the continuation of the festival.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2026.

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