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In a chilling escalation of violence within Toronto’s construction industry, gunmen have targeted the homes of executives associated with GFL Environmental Inc. and its sister company, Green Infrastructure Partners Inc. (GIP). The latest incident occurred in the early hours of March 25, 2025, when a shooter unleashed a barrage of bullets at the residence of GIP executive Paul Borrelli in Woodbridge, Ontario. This incident follows a similar attack just days earlier on the home of Sean Goldberg, another GIP executive, raising serious concerns about the safety of high-profile figures in the sector.
A Pattern of Violence
The recent shootings are part of a disturbing trend that has seen numerous attacks against GFL and GIP properties since June 2024, including vandalism, suspected arson, and various forms of intimidation. Notably, this is not the first time GFL executives have faced such threats; in September 2024, both GFL CEO Patrick Dovigi and GIP associate Ted Manziaris were also targeted in a coordinated shooting spree.
Despite several arrests, including an 18-year-old captured shortly after the latest shooting, police believe the perpetrators are acting on behalf of a wider conspiracy. Investigations have pointed towards a bitter rivalry within the industry, centring on a feud involving GIP and Ilan Philosophe, the owner of Astro Excavating Inc. Documents from the court reveal that police began to explore these connections following a series of violent incidents.
Unfolding Allegations
Philosophe, who has publicly denied any involvement in the attacks, was recently charged with multiple counts related to the September shootings targeting Dovigi and Manziaris. His attorney, Margaret Bojanowska, has stated that the defence is awaiting further information to mount a challenge in court. Philosophe’s alleged harassment of GIP executives through vulgar text messages has been well documented, with some communications reportedly referencing the violence that has erupted around them.
The feud began over competitive tensions in the construction sector, where both Astro and GIP vie for lucrative contracts. Philosophe claims that GIP attempted to undermine his business after a failed contract bid two years ago, leading to a cascade of hostility. He asserts that GFL executives spread damaging rumours about him to clients, severely impacting his business reputation.
Industry Implications
The violence and ensuing legal battles have sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting GFL to address investor concerns about safety and corporate stability. The company’s rapid rise, buoyed by aggressive acquisitions, now faces scrutiny not just from investors but from law enforcement as well. With GFL’s market capitalisation around £22 billion on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the implications of these violent disputes could reverberate well beyond the immediate parties involved.
Astro Excavating, founded by Philosophe in 2014, has rapidly gained prominence in the Greater Toronto Area. However, Philosophe’s allegations of GFL’s unethical business practices and his descriptions of their conduct as “bullying” suggest a deeper malaise within the competitive environment. As the investigation continues, the image of GFL as a major industry player hangs in the balance.
Why it Matters
The assaults on GFL and GIP executives underscore broader issues of safety and integrity in the construction sector, where competition can turn deadly. This situation not only raises alarms about the personal safety of industry leaders but also invites scrutiny into the practices that govern such a crucial aspect of the economy. As police investigations unfold and court cases progress, the outcomes may redefine business relationships and operational norms in Toronto’s construction landscape, highlighting the need for a more secure and ethical environment in which companies can thrive without fear of violence or intimidation.
