Who helps Torontonians traumatized by violence?

Plus, a problematic appointment at Toronto police services and the real estate rollercoaster [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Heavy snow is expected to hit the GTA this evening. [Here’s what you need to know]( Plus, the latest on the December mass shooting in Vaughan, a questionable appointment within the Toronto police service and the fluctuating GTA housing market. DON’T MISS Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey vaughan condo shooting [Months after the Vaughan condo murders, residents say they feel abandoned]( The mass shooting at a condo complex in Vaughan last December left hundreds of residents terrified in their homes, too scared to move. Days after the massacre killed five people and left one seriously injured, the police and media attention moved on, but the residents couldn’t, Noor Javed reports. One in particular — an expert in disaster and emergency management at York University — has been asking why there was no coordinated effort to ensure that those traumatized by the event had support. [Here’s what we know about the services are offered and what more could be done](. - More: “After the shooting, we were exposed to media outside our doors, and crime scene clean up and forensic and homicide investigators,” resident Jack Rozdilsky said. “But where was the army of social, mental and recovery (support for) victims in the aftermath? This second army never showed up. Maybe it doesn’t exist, but maybe it needs to exist.” - Word from Queen’s Park: The provincial government didn’t answer specific questions from the Star about why there is no provincewide emergency response in a situation like a mass shooting. Lance McMillan/The Star policing [Toronto police are facing criticism over a senior officer’s role as head of internal discipline]( The senior cop chosen to lead Toronto police’s internal investigations team has shot and killed two Black men during his time on the force, Jennifer Pagliaro reports, calling into question the service’s commitment to repairing its relationship with Black communities. Although he was cleared of wrongdoing in both deaths, Supt. Richard Shank’s promotion raises a problem of optics, policing experts and Black community leaders told the Star. [Here’s what we know about the 1990s cases, what critics say and how Toronto police are defending their decision](. - Context: As the head of the Professional Standards Unit, Shank oversees internal discipline in cases of alleged police misconduct — including cases involving use of force against Black Torontonians. - Go deeper: “One of the most important responsibilities of the professional standards unit is monitoring officers’ use of force,” said the lawyer representing the family of 20-year-old Ian Coley, who Shank shot. “The most egregious misuses of force result in death.” - What we know: Since the SIU’s founding in 1990, only one case — the shooting of Sammy Yatim by James Forcillo — has resulted in a criminal conviction stemming from a homicide charge. R.J. Johnston/The Star REAL ESTATE [One year after the housing peak, a record drop in prices — and signs of a tightening market]( Over the last year, as interest rates cooled the real estate market, GTA home prices have taken their biggest dive since 1988. The average sale price last February was $1.33 million, but now — after a 17.9 per cent decrease — it’s $1.1 million, Tess Kalinowski reports. There are signs, however, that there’s not as much supply as demand, which could result in prices rising again later this year. [Take a closer look at how prices have changed and what trends are emerging](. - Another angle: “Even if we ignore the prices, it’s very obvious sales and demand are outpacing new listings,” one expert said. “This is driving down the months of inventory and it’s making the market more competitive.” - More: Looking for a real estate agent? [Here’s how to choose one that’s right for you](. WHAT ELSE Despite reports of China meddling in Canadian elections, [security officials say nothing in the campaigns required further action](. “That’s what my son’s life is worth?” [A GTA careless driving case has fallen apart over an officer’s missing signature](. The Halton school board will hire an adviser to manage [uproar over the teacher dress code controversy](. Canada’s Big Six banks have set aside $2.5 billion as they [prepare for credit and loan losses](. A digging machine is trapped under Toronto. [Inside the $9-million rescue plan](. The TTC won’t be running at [these subway stations this weekend](. Birth control will soon be free in British Columbia. [Will Ontario follow?]( Why King Charles is [pushing Harry and Meghan out of Frogmore](. U.S. lawyer Alex Murdaugh has been convicted of murdering his wife and son. [This is the Southern tale of privilege, greed and addiction](. Nordstrom plans to cut 2,500 jobs and close its 13 Canadian stores. [There are other American retailers that came and went before it](. The Weeknd has responded to the Rolling Stone report on the [“disturbing sexual” content of his HBO show “The Idol.”]( McDonald’s is bringing a new menu item to Canada. [Here’s how it tastes](. POV Richard Lautens/The Star [Life in the culture war zone is actually quite lovely.]( CLOSE-UP Fernando Vergara/AP File Photo COLOMBIA: Hippos float on Feb. 4, 2021 near what once was the private estate of Pablo Escobar, who illegally imported four hippos from Africa decades ago. [Here’s why Colombia now wants to transfer at least 70 hippos in the area to India and Mexico]( Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_169669). Ashley will see you back here tomorrow. 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