Public safety meeting in city’s south end to look for gun violence solutions

By Jenn Pritchard

A recent rash of shootings in the city's south end has prompted city councillors in the area to organize a community safety meeting. 

Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau will be joined by mayor Jim Watson, councillors Diane Deans, Riley Brockington and Jean Cloutier and members of the John Howard Society and Crime Prevention Ottawa to address the issue and answer any questions.

The meeting is being held at the Greenboro Community Centre on December 6 at 5:30 p.m. 

One of the more recent shootings hit close to home for one city councillor as it took place at the busy South Keys Shopping Centre. 

Yonis Barkhadle, 27, was gunned down in a car in the northend of the mall on Friday, November 23. 

Gloucester Southgate ward's Diane Deans said enough is enough. 

She's concerned, along with other members of the community, that while these shootings may be targeted, there is always a chance for stray bullets. 

“This is a community on edge and they need answers and they need information,” she explained. 

Deans explained that these shootings are increasing not only across the country, but here in our city as well. 

“You know Ottawa hit a new record this year with the number of shootings in our community and that is obviously deeply concerning to me,” she said. “So we need to be doing more than we're doing now and I've been pushing hard and intend to keep pushing hard.”

Deans explained that moving forward she will be asking for money to be added to the policing budget to allow for the return of the community policing project. She also has plans in the works to meet with community groups to help keep young kids out of gangs. 

“The police can't be everywhere, we need the community to be the eyes and ears – if they see something they need to say something.” 
 

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