Finance

Shooting at Toronto Billionaire’s Home Highlights Escalating Crime Concerns

2024-10-01

In a shocking incident that unfolded early Monday morning, shots were fired at the luxurious home of Canadian billionaire Patrick Dovigi, the CEO of Green For Life Environmental Inc. (GFL), in the affluent Rosedale neighborhood of Toronto. The incident is suspected to be the result of a botched robbery attempt. Dovigi was not present in the city during the attack, which occurred around 1 a.m.

Dovigi described the terrifying encounter in a phone interview from New York City. He recounted how an intruder attempted to break into his home but was confronted by the property’s security guard. In a dramatic turn, after being challenged by the guard, the intruder fired a shot at him and subsequently shot four more times at the front door while fleeing the scene.

While remarkably unharmed, Dovigi's security personnel was understandably shaken by the experience. “He’s obviously a little bit rattled,” Dovigi remarked, emphasizing the importance of having a security presence given the recent uptick in crime in the area.

This incident comes amidst growing concerns regarding safety in Toronto, as residents are increasingly alarmed by a rise in carjackings, thefts, and break-ins. "Something has gone wrong in Toronto,” Dovigi stated. "It’s pretty scary that it’s happening… We’re Canadian because it’s supposed to be safe."

A possible motive for the intruder's actions emerged when Dovigi speculated that the gunman might have been eyeing two parked Range Rovers in the garage. Dovigi expressed disbelief, stating he did not think the gunman even realized it was his home.

Following the incident, Dovigi reached out to his neighbors to gather any surveillance footage that could assist police in their investigation. Dovigi’s home isn’t the only one affected; other high-profile residents on the same street, including former hockey star Eric Lindros, have also been victims. Dovigi noted that Lindros had experienced a break-in just down the street, adding to the disturbing pattern of crime in their neighborhood.

Toronto police are currently reviewing footage from the vicinity but have made no arrests as of yet. Dovigi highlighted that in the last couple of months alone, there have been three or four break-ins reported in their area. This prevalence of crime has ignited discussions about safety measures within the community and calls for a more robust police response to protect residents.

Patrick Dovigi is a self-made millionaire, having established his waste-management company in 2007 after a brief career in professional hockey. Under his leadership, GFL has experienced remarkable growth and even went public in 2020, boasting a market value of $6.1 billion. With his net worth currently estimated at about $1.1 billion by Canadian Business magazine, Dovigi’s experience serves as a warning that crime can impact anyone, regardless of their prominence or wealth.

As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing insecurities facing Toronto residents and the urgent need for effective community safety measures.