Honouring the victims of December’s shooting

“Like so many Vaughan residents, I was shaken by the unspeakable tragedy in our community last December, which claimed the lives of five people and left another in serious condition. 

“Flags at City of Vaughan facilities were lowered to half-mast in honour of the victims, and in the days following the shooting, we held a candlelight vigil at City Hall. My Council colleagues and I joined the victims’ families, elected officials from all levels of government, first responders, faith leaders and residents from across the City. 

“In recognition of the one-month anniversary of the shooting, at the Committee of the Whole (1) Meeting on Jan. 17, 2023, I, alongside my Council colleague, Ward 1 Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, will submit a joint Member’s Resolution that proposes to create a memorial to the victims who were killed in the attack, through the City’s Tree and Bench Dedication program. If passed, the City would create a memorial and host an unveiling at a time to be determined. 

“We are a city united in our grief. Vaughan will never forget the tragic loss of Rita Camilleri, Vittorio Panza, Russell Manock, Helen “Lorraine” Manock and Naveed Dada, nor the heinous injury of Doreen Di Nino during this shooting rampage. Our proposed memorial will honour their memories and ensure they are never forgotten.”