Jane-Finch Community Leaders Try To Stop Violence After Week Filled With Shootings
Posted September 23, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s a neighbourhood that’s filled with hard working, law-abiding citizens. It also happens to be a notorious intersection that’s long been associated with gang activity and crime. Unfortunately, it’s the latter that makes headlines, and two shootings over the last week have once again illuminated the problems that continue to tarnish a struggling community.
The latest killing took place on Monday night, when a man believed to be in his 30s was shot dead on Driftwood Court .
Not too far from that shooting scene a memorial has been set up for another young man who was shot and killed while playing basketball on September 16th. Community organizers are once again rallying and fighting for long-term solutions.
“You know, the short term, you get people with no hope and no future,” said Angelo Furlan. “This whole…gangster lifestyle, (why) would anyone find that an attractive alternative?
Jane and Finch On The Move is a community group that’s trying to break the cycle, and they want more support than just increased police presence and surveillance cameras.
“I feel that’s short term,” remarked Leticia Boahen. “Obviously it’s not working. We just lost two lives, right? So they (should) put that money into creating more jobs, more employment opportunity.”
