Toronto city officials and family members laid flowers at the base of two newly planted trees Saturday in memory of two people killed in the Danzig shooting in Scarborough 10 years ago.
Shian Charles, 14, and Joshua Yasay, 23, died on July 16, 2012, when gunmen opened fire at a block party at a housing estate in Scarborough. More than 20 people were injured. The shooting shocked Toronto.
The trees are located in the Port Union Village Community Park, near Port Union Road and Lawrence Avenue East. The shooting took place a little further away on Danzig Street. A ceremony was held in the park on Saturday to honor the victims.
Tyrone Charles, Shayan’s grandfather, said at the ceremony that Shayan left her family with many memories.
“The tree represents hope, life, happiness, freedom,” Charles said. “Today is one of those days where we remember her in a bright way, not as a death. We remember her as life.”
Charles thanked the city authorities for attending the ceremony. He said he feels good that people haven’t forgotten his granddaughter.
“Trials make us bitter or better. Troubles make us or break us. But we have a choice to be victims or victors. We choose to be victors. We don’t celebrate death, we celebrate Shyanne’s life.”
Charles later said: “In our hearts she is still alive.”
Tyrone Charles, right, speaks at a ceremony Saturday to honor two people killed in the Danzig shooting 10 years ago. His granddaughter Shianne Charles is 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 family in Toronto, no citizen, no resident, no one who lives here should have to worry about gun violence as a reality that they face as I try to live a family life.” , Tori said.
Torrey said the shooting was “shattering” and scarred. But he said it was important to have hope and resolve to prevent further violence.
Later on Twitter, Tori said: “Today we gathered at Port Union Village Common Park to remember the victims of the Danzig tragedy in 2012. While there, I shared my deepest sympathies and continued support to the family of Shyanne Charles .”
Councilors Jennifer McKelvey, Michael Thompson and Paul Ainslie and MP Gary Anandasangari also attended the ceremony. According to McKelvey, the city planted the trees Saturday morning.
McKelvey said the community remembers Charles and Yasay. “Ten years later, we continue to hold them and the Danzig community in our hearts,” she said on Twitter.
The city’s website said the Toronto sign was dimmed Friday night in memory of the victims of the Danzig shooting and other victims of gun violence. The city said it will also be blacked out Saturday night.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of the Danzig tragedy.
Joined by pic.twitter.com/nNe48zzl49
—@Mayor of Torontos
This morning at the Port Union Village Common
Ten years later, we continue to hold them and the Danzig community in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/s9XvaywP98
—@McKelvieWard25
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