The Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Area has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Salsa on St. Clair festival following a double fatal shooting that occurred during the event.
At a board meeting held a week after the July 11 incident, members voted to end a $50,000 financial contribution and an additional $10,000 allocated for barricades, citing concerns over public safety and community impact.
Board chair Dr. Heather Hannah explained that post‑COVID attendance patterns shifted, with larger, more unruly crowds, increased litter, fights and open alcohol consumption, leading to a steady decline in member participation over the past five years.
She added that the tragic shootings intensified these concerns, prompting the board to withdraw support that had been in place since the festival’s inception in 2005.
Organizers TLN Media Group described the July 11 incident as a violent confrontation that resulted in two deaths and six injuries, and confirmed that no arrests have been made to date.
The city’s mayoral office has pledged to work with the festival’s organizers to improve safety measures and ensure the event can continue under more secure conditions.
Police reports indicate that an exchange of gunfire between two groups triggered the fatal shootings, prompting a heightened focus on security for future gatherings.
Historically, the festival’s opening Saturday attracted over 200,000 attendees, with total weekend attendance estimated at just over one million.
Plans are underway for a new free‑admission event, Salsa at Niagara Falls, scheduled for September 11‑12, featuring attractions on a strip overlooking the falls.
While the loss of the Hillcrest Village sponsorship marks a significant shift, organizers remain committed to preserving the festival’s cultural legacy and exploring alternative venues.
