City of Vaughan lowers flags to mourn victims killed in mass shooting

Gesture meant to honour lives lost in incident that occurred on Dec. 18

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 21, 2022
Brian Capitao

Flags will be lowered this week at city hall until further notice at the request of Mayor Steven Del Duca, to honour the lives of the victims slain in the Sunday evening mass shooting in Vaughan.

Del Duca announced on Twitter in a written statement:

“On behalf of the City of Vaughan and council, I offer condolences to the families of the victims killed in the shootings in the area of Jane Street and Rutherford Road. I have spoken directly with York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween, and I want to recognize the brave first responders working to safeguard the situation following these tragic and unthinkable acts of violence. I have requested that flags at City of Vaughan facilities be lowered to half-mast in memory of the victims and will remain lowered until further notice,” said Del Duca.

The shooting left a sense of anguish for members of the community all over.

“This senseless tragedy has left so many members of the community here in Vaughan heartbroken. To all those who have been impacted, please know Ontario’s government stands with you and the whole community stands with you," said MPP for King-Vaughan, Stephen Lecce, when asked for comment.

"It is very close to home, as I have visited the condo many times, attended Christmas parties, and even my own family has resided there. It's a good community of people who live there," he added.

In her Ward 1 eNewsletter, Word from the Ward, Coun. Marilyn Iafrate also addressed the tragic event.

“This will be a sombre Christmas for myself and the many families, friends and neighbours of those who were killed in this tragic shooting spree,” wrote Iafrate.

The councillor then ended the note with a moment of reflection.

“Let us all take a moment to pause and send prayers to the families and take a moment to hug your loved ones as well as each day together should never be taken for granted,” added Iafrate.