BIA calls for mental health action after deadly Dundas Street shooting

The OEV BIA is calling for more mental health supports after a weekend shooting left one person dead. CTV London’s Lauren Stallone reports.

Safety is top of mind following an overnight shooting in the 700-block of Dundas Street Sunday in London’s Old East Village.

“We have an element of individuals that hangout and spend time in the Old East Village and until we combat that problem, these problems are going to continue,” said Kevin Morrison, head of the Old East Village BIA.

London police say they arrived on scene shortly after 4 a.m. and located two victims who had sustained gunshot wounds.

“One person has since been declared deceased and a second person was transported to London Health Sciences Centre where they are receiving treatment,” said investigator Adam Steele of the London Police Service.

This marks the second homicide of 2026 in London, both occurring in the Old East Village.

“We’re working hard to improve the area and things like this only add to the disappointment and it’s disheartening,” said Morrison.

The BIA says it is concerned about the future of businesses in the area and is calling on the City of London to address the mental health crisis.

“We have social services that are doing the best they can with what they have but they are not equipped to be dealing with the individuals that they are serving,” said Morrison.

He says mental health and addiction is at the heart of the issue.

“It’s way too expensive to open psychiatric hospitals again but smaller treatment centres is certainly a way to go,” said Morrison.

The Palace Theatre, located on Dundas Street, took to social media saying, “PTAC is committed to working with the city and local leaders to ensure the safety of our neighbours, volunteers and patrons is not just prioritized but made manifest.”

“We are dedicating as much resources as we possibly can to ensure obviously that we bring this to a safe conclusion and ensure the safety of the citizens of London,” said Steele.

Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.