Airbnb then added its voice to the chorus condemning the violence.

“The senseless violence reported is abhorrent and has no place in the Airbnb community, and our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this incident," the company wrote. "We have removed the booking guest from our platform and we stand ready to support York Regional Police in their investigation”

In the aftermath of the shooting, a resident named Sandy, who did not want her last name published, said that despite residents' complaints, the town of Newmarket has done nothing to stop the rentals at the address.

Mayor John Taylor told yorkregion.com that something is actually being done on the issue.

“We have heard from residents across town in different circumstances,” he said. “We have heard some complaints of varying degrees, none as serious as this. We will be looking at (short-term and Airbnb rentals) closely. Staff are already gearing up.”

However, he added the town must take a “balanced approached” considering this type of incident is the outlier.

“There are also advantages to Airbnb, he added. “We need to look at this more and strengthen the rules, but we also have to remember that lots of people in our communities take advantage of (their services). We have heard from residents, but a lot of work needs to be done.”

He added that a public consultation needs to be completed before any bylaw is enacted.

Taylor also further spoke about the killing.

“It’s tragic and disturbing,” he said. “Whenever someone dies in an unnecessary manner, it’s sad. When it’s related to gun violence, it’s very disturbing. We seem to be seeing this more often in Newmarket and the GTA.”

He further noted that he wants to extend a hand to any politician or group that would like to sit down and speak about how to limit gun violence in our communities.



