An online petition has been launched by Toronto Police to seek public support for a pilot project to install at least five CCTV cameras in the Garnett Janes Road neighbourhood of New Toronto.

A proposal for the cameras came to the forefront following the April 17 shooting of a 14-year-old in the Garnett Janes neighbourhood.

Police were called to a park near Garnett Janes Road, near Islington Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W., just before 6 p.m. following reports of multiple gunshots.

When they arrived, they discovered a teenager suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

Paramedics transported the boy to a trauma centre with serious but non-life threatening injuries. His condition has been upgraded to stable.

Officers from 22 Division continue to frequently patrol the neighbourhood in cars, on bikes and on foot, police noted in the petition.

“They (police) actively engage with the community on an ongoing basis, however the violence continues,” according to 22 Division. “The residents are fearful of their safety.”

“Unfortunately the neighbourhood has also been affected by gang activity for some time,” police wrote. “These gang members hang out in the buildings, on the streets, and in Lakeshore Village Park as well as Eighth Street Skate Park. “

Officers said drug dealing in the area is not uncommon.

“This gang activity leads to violence in the neighbourhood,” the petition state. “Historically the Garnett Janes neighbourhood has seen a disproportionately amount of violent crimes occurring within its’ borders as compared to other neighbourhoods in south Etobicoke.”

Police said the CCTV camera project ‘is not intended to be a replacement for police officers, only a tool to aid law enforcement and enhancing public safety.”

Cameras or more than one in some locations are being considered by police for installation in the Garnet James neighbourhood.

The cameras are proposed to be located at the corners of Birmingham St. and Ninth Street; Garnett Janes Road and Ninth Street; Coin Street and Tenth Streets; Etta Wylie and Garnett Janes Roads and Ninth Street and Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Police said they are seeking the support of the community with the implementation of the pilot project.

“By signing the petition you will be supporting the partnership that the Toronto Police has with the community in improving the safety of the Garnett Janes neighbourhood,” they wrote.

The petition can be found at change.org or 22 Division Twitter feed.