Pubdate: Wed, 10 Aug 2005
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Debra Black, Staff Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Safe Injecting Rooms)

TORY TOURS SHOOTING SITE

Solicits Ideas On Stopping Gun Violence

Youths Need Programs, Residents Say

Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory has called for tougher 
gun control, more severe sentences and more youth programs as a way to 
combat gangs, violence and guns.

Yesterday, Tory and some community residents and leaders toured 50 John 
Garland Blvd., the housing complex where a man was killed last week in a 
drive-by shooting.

His only crime: attending a backyard birthday party.

"This is a huge problem that has residents worried sick," Tory said. "The 
recent wave of shootings must propel all levels of government to take 
action. Our provincial and federal governments are not doing enough."

As he walked around, Tory saw the face of a decaying community in the 
city's northwest end, near Kipling Ave. and Finch Ave. W. Laundry covered 
wire fences. Screens on windows were ripped. Some children hung out 
listlessly, waiting for something to happen.

Earlier, Tory had met with about 45 community members to talk about what 
could be done to stop the violence in their neighbourhood. "The action of 
all governments is not enough," he said. "We're letting people down."

That message became clear in the meeting. Tory said many residents were 
afraid to meet with him, fearful of possible reprisals. Those who attended 
peppered him with ideas about what should be done. Their message: get the 
drug dealers out of the neighbourhood and the shooters won't come.

Accused of grandstanding by some, Tory said he came to the neighbourhood to 
listen, not to score political points. "That's the principal benefit," he 
said. "I have a chance to listen to 45 people in a room."

Many told him they feel like the city has given up on their neighbourhood. 
Many have strong ideas about what it will take to end the cycle of 
violence, drugs, guns and gangs.

Tory said some felt a need to address the issue of violence and gangs at 
the family level first. Others suggested police must patrol regularly, not 
just to put up yellow tape. And everyone stressed the need for more 
community programs for kids to keep them off the street, he said.

Many also suggested economic incentives for single mothers, tougher gun 
laws and more hiring of young people from minority groups -- not just for 
short-term contracts but for extended periods.

Mahdi Hersi, president of the Greater Jamestown Community Resources Centre 
and a long-time resident, believes youth programs would go a long way 
toward battling the violence.

Hersi, who is running a volunteer basketball program for local youth this 
summer, thinks governments of all levels should put more money into 
after-school and summer programs.

Faye Stoddart, who works at the West Indian Volunteer Community Support 
Services, favours more financial support for single mothers in the 
neighbourhood. Often, mothers can't afford to hire a sitter for their 
children when they go to work, she said. Too often, children are left alone 
and get into trouble.

All levels of government should be combatting the violence across the GTA, 
said Rev. Don Meredith, chairman of the GTA Faith Alliance.

Meredith said the provincial government should revise the Safe Schools Act. 
Under the act, many teens are expelled from school and left vulnerable to 
becoming part of a gang.

He also questioned where Mayor David Miller has been during the latest 
violence.

"The mayor should be walking the community and giving comfort and support 
to family members," Meredith said. "He has been nowhere to be found."
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