DAN CEARNS Local Journalism Initiative for The Standard
NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA: Local municipal leaders are sending their well wishes to the Nova Scotia community after a recent mass shooting killed at least 22 people. “Our thoughts and prayers from all residents of Brock Township go to all those affected by this senseless tragedy,” Brock Township Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden said, in a press release. In response to the tragedy, Brock Township lowered their flags to half-mast for two days. The shooting was felt across Durham Region, with two victims being Durham residents. “Dawn, who was a former employee working at Hillsdale Terraces long-term care home for decades and retired in 2019, and her husband Frank. Our hearts go out to their family, and all families affected by this senseless tragedy. As a nation, we are united in these moments of sorrow and grief. We can never understand these senseless acts of violence. But, we hope these communities can find comfort and support in the nation that stands behind them,” Regional Chair John Henry said, in a statement. “It’s also important to take a moment to thank our police officers and all first responders. You are true heroes. You are the people who risk your own safety to protect our loved ones, our communities, and our homes.” The Region lowered their flags to half-mast until further notice. Scugog Township sent out condolences to Nova Scotia as well. “We are deeply saddened by the terrible and senseless act of violence that took many innocent lives in Nova Scotia,” Scugog Mayor Bobbie Drew said, in a statement. “On behalf of my fellow Councillors and the Township of Scugog, we extend our sincere sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson who responded to the call and lost her life. We also extend our sympathies to all the families and friends of all the victims of this terrible tragedy.” Meanwhile, the City of Kawartha Lakes has turned on blue lights at the Lindsay city hall office and has also lowered their flags. “Our first thoughts and wishes go to the folks of Nova Scotia,” Mayor Andy Letham said, during a telephone press conference on Tuesday, April 21st. Mayor Letham called it an “unimaginable tragedy,” and added that it’s “beyond comprehension what is going on over there.”