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Local BIA pulls sponsorship for Salsa on St. Clair citing 'decline in support' for festival
The board cited declining support and safety concerns after a shooting that killed two men and injured five others.
- On Tuesday, the Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Association discontinued sponsorship of the Salsa on St. Clair festival following a deadly shooting at the event earlier this month.
- Two men, Shaquan Quashie and Cesar Vernaza, were killed in an exchange of gunfire at the festival on July 11, 2026, which injured five others and prompted cancellation of the event's second day.
- Surveys conducted among Hillcrest Village BIA membership showed a significant decline in support for the festival in recent years, with officials stating the event has "outgrown both the neighbourhood and the capacity of our BIA."
- TeleLatino Network initially considered ending involvement, but President Aldo Di Felice said the mayor's office committed to working with organizers to ensure the festival continues.
- The BIA expressed well wishes for the Canadian Salsa Festival Project and TLN to host future festivals at other locations, signaling potential relocation of the annual event.
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Salsa on St. Clair festival loses key sponsor after deadly shooting – 105.9 The Region
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 cancel…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left16Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Left
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources lean Left
84% Left
L 84%
C 16%
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