Vaughan will never forget

Marking the first anniversary of the Bellaria shooting

Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca issued the following statement to mark the first anniversary of the Bellaria shooting: 

“One year ago today, our city was shattered by the news that a gunman had unleashed an unimaginable attack at the Bellaria Condominiums. It was a horrific day from which we will never fully heal. Despite the pain of this heinous action, our city came together in support of the victims’ families and each other.

“The candlelight vigil held in the immediate aftermath of the attacks allowed us to gather shortly after this tragedy occurred. Vaughan Council, all levels of government, faith leaders, City staff, first responders, families, business leaders, neighbours and residents gathered to share their grief and lean on one another. I have lived in Vaughan for over three decades and have always known our community to be tight-knit. Still, the outpouring of love and compassion following this unspeakable horror is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. 

“In February and March of this year, we held meetings with the residents of Bellaria, which included presentations by York Regional Police and offered an opportunity to ask questions. My Council colleagues and I remain committed to helping contribute to the long-term recovery from this tragedy. During these meetings, the feedback we heard included a need for more funding for Victim Services of York Region. We heard these concerns and brought them to York Regional Council, which allocated additional funding. We continue to work with other levels of government, our community safety partners, our Emergency Management Program Committee and others to ensure communication remains open and our city is safe.

“In the summer, we unveiled a memorial at Julliard Park that honoured the victims, which reads:

Vaughan Council dedicates this memorial space in loving memory of the five innocent residents who lost their lives during the December 18, 2022, shooting: Rita Camilleri, Vittorio Panza, Naveed Dada, Helen “Lorraine” Manock, Russell Manock. The City further recognizes survivor Doreen Di Nino. Our entire community grieves with the family, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. Dedicated on July 6, 2023.

“We imagined an installation that would allow the memories of the victims to live on, not just in our hearts, but surrounded by a beautiful landscape within sight of the home they loved. The City has arranged for the site to be lit year-round as a tribute that will never dim, just as our memories of them will not fade. 

“One year. It’s hard to believe – it feels like yesterday. There are simply no words that can adequately convey how heartbroken we remain. 

“As time passes, we will continue to mourn, and we must continue to rely on one another … because in Vaughan, that’s what we do.

“Flags have been lowered to half-mast at City of Vaughan facilities in honour of those killed and injured during these attacks.”