Gun violence was way up in Hamilton last year

Gun violence in Hamilton increased dramatically in 2015, according to new crime rates released Wednesday by Statistics Canada.

The new numbers present the first clear answer to the question that percolated throughout the year about the level of gun violence in the city.

The increases also contradictthe notionthat 2015's gun violence was ordinary andthe reassuring tone that former Chief Glenn De Caire took after a series of gun incidents erupted last summer, prompting actions like the mayor calling for a total ban on guns and councillors convening public forums.

There were 33 incidents of gun crimes last year, including when a firearm was discharged or pointed. That was nearly triple the number of the year before. It was also the highest number since 2009.

There were significant increases in sub-categories, too discharging with intent, using a firearm in an offence, and pointing.

The gun incidents were an outlier in a general trend down for Hamilton crime, according to StatsCan. The overall crime rate and crime severity index were both down in the same time period.

Asked about the increase in gun incidents,Hamilton Police pointed to the broader five-year overall downward trend in crime in the city, calling it a "very positive result."

In a statement to CBC,Acting Chief KenWeatherillsaid:"There has been a reported increase in firearm related offences, and we will use all resources to prevent, detect and suppress crime and ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions."

• READ MORE:Hamilton's crime rate dropped 2 per cent in 2015

Contradicts the chief's reassurance

At a launch of a gun amnesty program last September, De Caire was reassuring and downplayed the idea of an increase in gun incidents.

The chief implied that the actions he was taking, like launching the gun amnesty, werein response to political concern, not real trends.

"Every single firearms incident is serious. And we take it seriously," the chief said last September.

He said 2015's gun violence was at about the same level as the previous year's.

"But the firearms incidents that took place in the summer (are)obviously drawing the attention of the community," he said. "Rightfully so. And that's why we need to make sure that we respond to it."

In his statement Thursday, Weatherill did not answer a question from CBC Hamilton about the former chief's statements last fall.

Last fall, the service supplied three categories of numbers in response to questions for clarity from CBC Hamilton, none of which conclusively showed what was happening.

• READ MORE:Is Hamilton's gun violence this year worse than normal?

CBC Hamilton revealed that the numbers the chief was relying on for that statement left out a shooting in Augustthat left an 18-year-old dead. Theyleft out two shootingsjust a few days before the chief's statements, andafternoon gunfire in Augustwhile children reportedly watched.

kelly.bennett@cbc.ca | @kellyrbennett