Public concern over the recent gun violence in Toronto has prompted organizers of the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto to increase security.

Organizers said they will hire more than 600 private security staff members, who were also brought in last year.

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival organizer Stephen Weir told the Globe and Mail that they are doing it because of broader public concern about the event, and not because they expect trouble.

Those who do attend the parade will also be searched for weapons or illegal drugs as they make their way into the bleachers.