TORONTO — For Sean McCann, nearly any loud noise, invitation to a party, or news of a shooting at an Airbnb rental can trigger memories of a traumatic night when a bullet tore through his body.
The latest incident involved a shooting at an Airbnb condo in Toronto that left three young men dead. In response, the American company has launched a pilot program in Canada aimed at restricting young adults’ ability to book properties.
Previously, Airbnb had imposed a ban on “party houses” following a shooting in Orinda, California, that resulted in five fatalities. The company also introduced a hotline and an online tool for neighbors to report concerns about unruly properties.
Despite these measures, incidents of violence continue to plague Airbnb rentals in Canada. Notably, on April 27, 2019, McCann was injured in a shooting at an Airbnb party. Other incidents include a shooting at a prom party in Stouffville, Ont., a week later that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old, and another shooting at a house party in Newmarket, Ont., in October 2019, which left one man dead and a woman hospitalized.
McCann, now grappling with the physical and emotional aftermath of the incident, questions the effectiveness of Airbnb’s safety measures. While the company has made efforts to address concerns and prevent future violence, the recurring nature of these tragic events raises doubts about the true impact of their initiatives.
