Flags outside the North Grenville Municipal Centre have been lowered to half-mast to recognize the anniversary of a mass shooting that killed 14 women.
“On behalf of Council and the Municipality of North Grenville, we join with Canadians across the country to remember and reflect on the fourteen women who lost their lives in the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989,” explains Mayor Nancy Peckford. “On this day, a gunman entered a classroom at École Polytechnique Montréal, and killed 14 women as an intentional act of gender-based violence.”
The victims are memorialized annually across the country on December 6th, now called the National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Mayor Peckford says gender-based violence like this continues to be a reality, both locally and across the country.
“As Mayor of North Grenville and Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville,” she says, “I am committed to working alongside Council colleagues, community partners and municipal staff, as we strive for a community where everyone has a safe place to work and call home.”
If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, Peckford recommends you reach out to Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville for help. The Municipality of North Grenville’s website has more information on the organization.