Toronto city officials and relatives laid flowers at the base of two trees recently planted on Saturday in memory of two people killed in the Danzig shooting in Scarborough 10 years ago.
Shyanne Charles, 14, and Joshua Yasay, 23, died on July 16, 2012, when gunmen opened fire on a block party at a Scarborough housing complex. More than 20 people were injured. The shooting shocked Toronto.
The trees are located in Port Union Village Common Park, near Port Union Road and Lawrence Avenue East. The shooting took place at a distance on Danzig Street. A ceremony was held in the park on Saturday in honor of the victims.
Tyrone Charles, Shyanne’s grandfather, told the ceremony that Shyanne left many memories for her family.
“The tree represents hope, life, happiness, freedom,” Charles said. “Today is one of those days that we remember her in a brilliant way, not as death. We remember her as life.”
Charles thanked the city officials for attending the ceremony. She said it feels good that people don’t forget about her granddaughter.
“Tests make us bitter or better. Problems make us or break us. But we have the choice to be victims or winners. We choose to be winners. We don’t celebrate death, we’re celebrating Shyanne’s life.”
Later, Charles said, “In our hearts, she is still alive.”
Tyrone Charles, right, speaks Saturday at a ceremony honoring two people killed in the Danzig shooting 10 years ago. Her granddaughter, Shyanne Charles, was one of the victims. (Global news)
Mayor John Tory said the community is determined to make sure nothing like the shooting happens again. He said the community is a good community of families raising their children.
“No Toronto family, no citizen, no resident, no one living here should have to worry, on a happy family occasion, in summer, winter, spring or fall, for “Armed violence is a reality they face. They’re trying to live a family life,” Tory said.
Tory said the shooting was “exciting” and left scars. But he said it is important to have hope and determination to avoid further violence.
Later on Twitter, Tory said: “Today, we gathered in Port Union Village Common Park to remember the victims of the 2012 Danzig tragedy. While I was there, I shared my deepest condolences and constant support. to the family of Shyanne Charles “.
Councilors Jennifer McKelvie, Michael Thompson and Paul Ainslie and MP Gary Anandasangaree also attended the ceremony. According to McKelvie, the city planted the trees Saturday morning.
McKelvie said the community remembers Charles and Yasay. “Ten years later, we still have them, and the Danzig community, at our heart,” he said on Twitter.
The city’s website said the Toronto poster went off Friday night in memory of victims of the Danzig shooting and other victims of armed violence. The city said it was also due to darken on Saturday night.
Today, we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Danzig tragedy.
We have met with pic.twitter.com/nNe48zzl49
– @ TorontosMayor
This morning at Port Union Village Common, the
Ten years later, we continue to keep them, and the Danzig community, in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/s9XvaywP98
– @ McKelvieWard25