Standing up for at-risk and vulnerable youth is most important in Toronto’s Jane-Finch Neighborhood with mutual cooperation and improved support to end gun violence. Participants made these comments at a community roundtable held on March 6.
The two-hour meeting was attended by politicians, police, city officials and community leaders. The meeting was called after two people were shot in less than 24 hours last month. They were shot while standing at a bus stop near Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue. One of them was seriously injured.
A recent increase in gun violence has shaken the community and left residents feeling unsafe, said local councilor Anthony Peruzza. He organized the March 6 event at the Driftwood Center. Police have set up a 24-hour command post here following the gun violence.
A Humber River-Black Creek representative said citizens have a right to feel safe in their neighborhoods. People also have the right to be safe in their communities.
Peruzza said everyone present at the meeting discussed the immediate and long-term ways to take action. This includes how to better exchange information. This will give people a better idea of what benefits are available to them and how they can be better approached.
He said short-term measures discussed include the Driftwood Community Centre, the Toronto Community Housing Building and street lighting, as well as an increased police presence.
