Man shot to death near Bloor St. W. bar

A man in his 20s is dead after being shot in the abdomen outside an Annex-area bar early this morning.

Toronto police were called to the Brunswick House on Bloor St. W., near Spadina Ave., shortly after 1 a.m. where they say a man suffered a gunshot wound in a laneway behind the bar.

He was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Homicide investigators are at the scene, and are asking witnesses who may have been in or around the bar to call police.

The Brunswick House, often known as the "Brunny", is a popular student hangout for the nearby University of Toronto.

Adam Baines, chairman of the Annex Residents' Association, said it's the bars that are bringing trouble to the area.

"There seems to be an attempt to create an entertainment district up in this area, and that's not appropriate," he said.

Baines said the residents' association isn't considering allowing patios to stay open as a method of cutting down on crime.

Almost a year ago to the day, two people were shot and wounded while walking down the street in the busy, vibrant neighbourhood.

Residents and store owners said at the time that violence in the area was unprecedented. Baines says that's still the case.

"It makes me uncomfortable, but it still is an isolated incident," he said.

"It's unfortunate they're using guns now. I'd prefer that they were using fists if they had to do these kind of things."