According to the police, she was an innocent bystander who was struck by a stray bullet during an altercation between three males.
The incident took place near Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue, prompting immediate emergency response.
Authorities were notified of the shooting just before 12:30 p.m. The woman received immediate medical attention at the scene and was subsequently transported to a trauma center. Tragically, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Although investigators believe there is no direct connection between the female victim and the individuals involved in the altercation, they have yet to confirm this definitively.
As a result of the incident, a four-block area of Queen St E. between Logan Ave and Pape Ave was cordoned off with police tape, while a police helicopter surveyed the scene from above.
Onlookers could observe latex gloves and other evidence of the paramedics' efforts to save the victim's life on the north sidewalk across from the South Riverdale Community Health Centre, where the supervised injection site is located.
Local residents, who requested to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals, shared their concerns about the deteriorating atmosphere in the area.
They mentioned an influx of new drug dealers, leading to increased thefts and disputes.
The South Riverdale Community Health Centre expressed deep sadness and concern over the tragic loss of life, emphasizing their commitment to cooperating with the authorities during the investigation.
The incident has once again ignited discussions surrounding the opioid overdose epidemic.
While advocates of supervised consumption sites argue that they promote safety for both users and the public, others, like former police chief Mark Saunders, have urged a focus on treatment rather than "normalizing" drug use.
Local resident Derek Finkle, who lives adjacent to the health centre, described the area around the supervised injection site as "very menacing" due to the lack of immediate supervision.
The incident prompted a nearby junior public school and child care centre to implement safety protocols.
Finkle, along with other concerned residents, has raised safety issues with the health centre's senior staff over the past year.
They allege numerous incidents of drug use, overdosing, violence, and menacing behavior occurring in close proximity to their homes.
Despite their pleas for increased security measures, they claim the health centre has shown minimal concern for the situation outside their building.
Police Inspector Michelle Olszevski provided descriptions of the three suspects involved in the shooting and stated that they fled the scene, heading eastbound on Queen St. E. toward Pape Avenue.
As the investigation progresses, authorities anticipate releasing a description of the third suspect based on surveillance video footage.
The shooting serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need to address safety concerns surrounding the supervised injection site.
Local residents, such as Finkle, emphasize that preventative measures should have been implemented to protect community members, as they have long warned of the potential for harm.
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