A man offering services to clients at a St. Clair Ave. W. drop-in program has been accused of the stabbing death of another man who was known to visit the centre for services, a member of the program’s board confirmed Thursday.

Police have identified the victim of the Wednesday afternoon stabbing as Grenville Johnson, 56.

Toronto police have charged, Glen McGregor with second-degree murder, according to a Thursday news release.

In a statement posted to its website, St. Matthew’s United Church said the incident took place on church property during a regular drop-in program operated by Wychwood Open Door. Though hosted at the church, the drop-in is an independent charitable operation, church staff said.

“The events that transpired this week in our drop-in centre are tragic and deeply saddening,” said a statement from Wychwood Open Door board member Kiera Toffelmire. “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the victim and their family.”

Toffelmire said that McGregor was classified as an independent contractor.

Toffelmire said McGregor himself once used the services at the centre before becoming a volunteer and progressing into his role as contracted relief worker, who assisted with helping clients who visited the facility.

Toffelmire said relief workers typically help to manage the flow of the program and help guests if they need assistance to access meals.

She said the centre will be closed Friday, with the hope of resuming service next week.

“We will be suspending service at our drop in to allow the police to conduct and complete their investigation,” Toffelmire wrote in an email. “During this time, The Stop (Community Food Centre) has graciously offered to welcome our community members for meal service and any other support they need.”

Officers were called to the church on St. Clair near Christie St. for reports of a stabbing around 3 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

Two men were in a physical altercation when one man grabbed a knife and stabbed the other man, police said.

Johnson, of Toronto, was taken to hospital, where he later died. Relatives of his visited the church offices Thursday, but did not want to provide any comment.

“At the time that the incident occurred, the program had wrapped for the day,” said Toffelmire of the drop-in, which runs 9 a.m., to 3 p.m., on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The church said Wychwood Open Door helps those in need of food, social and health services, including dental care and clothing, and has been operating in the St. Clair West area for more than 30 years.

More than 100 people visit the drop-in for assistance each day.

“The service is so integral to the community,” Toffelmire said. “So many people return. There is a close-knit supportive environment that has been established there.”

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

McGregor appeared in court at 1000 Finch Ave. W. Thursday morning, police said.

Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have information which could assist their investigation.

Johnson is Toronto’s 36th homicide victim of 2019, and the eighth to die in a stabbing.