Daytime gun fight in Hamilton caught on dashcam video: Police

Residents in what is known as one of Hamilton's roughest lower-city wards will holdan anti-violencerally next week after three incidents of gun violence and assaultrocked the area.

On Sunday, two men shot at each other in broad daylight at Main Street East and East AvenueWard 3. There was a shooting hours later at King and Ashley streets, and days earlier, an assault victim found atStinsonStreet and Victoria Avenue South died.

Late Wednesday, police released adashcamvideo taken by a citizen driving past the scene just as the shots rang out. Two shots are clearly audible and one suspect is seen running away in front of the car camera.

People are tired of these incidents, saidCoun. Matthew Green. He's organizing a rally for next Thursday with a dual purpose to stand up against violence, and to show pride in an area trying to turn a new leaf.

"We're not going to bestigmatizedby this stuff," he said.

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"These crimes were perpetrated by a few lawless individuals.We're going to show people we're not afraid to live in our neighbourhoods."

Last week's incidents were tough blows to an area trying to shed its negative image. While often referred to in conversations aboutcrime and poverty, Ward 3 is enjoyingsurging housing prices, and governments are investing millions in the Pan Am precinct. This includes a new high school, recreation centre and stadium.

Then on June 20, volunteers with hold the first Barton Village Festival at Woodlands Park. The event isdesigned to show pride in the street.

But there are dark spots, including crack houses and drug dealers, Green said. "Everyone knows where they are," he said, and it has to be addressed.

"We have to deal with what happens in our communities," he said. "We can't candy coat it."

The rally, Green said, will likely be called "Proud to be Ward 3." He hopes to see it evolve into a social media campaign.

Mayor Fred Eisenbergeralso denounced the shootings, calling them "a step in the absolute wrong direction" for Hamilton.

He also asked staff to bring back a report on how the city could ban guns.