Durham went into mourning yesterday with lowered flags and parades in recognition of the lives lost in Nova Scotia tragedy — especially of the two ex-residents who were among the victims.
Former Oshawa Dawn and Frank Gulenchyn were victims of the tragic incident in Nova Scotia. Their family still resides in Oshawa.
Flags at Regional Headquarters have been lowered to half mast, until further notice. The City of Oshawa also lowered the Canadian flag to half-mast at City Hall and city facilities to honour the victims of the tragic events that took place in Nova Scotia on Sunday, April 19, and in memory of the lives lost to Covid-19.
The city extended its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues who are mourning the passing of their loved ones.
“This tragedy hits especially close to home, as two of the victims were long-time Durham residents. Dawn, who was a former employee working at Hillsdale Terraces long-term care home for decades and retired in 2019, and her husband Frank. Our hearts go out to their family and all families affected by this senseless tragedy,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham.
@DRPS @OPP_News @DurhamParamedic @OshawaFire @SJAOntario @GOTransitSSD came out to support a family in our community @CityOfOshawa whose parents Dawn and Frank Gulenchyn were victims of the tragic incident in Nova Scotia. Our deepest condolences to all affected by this incident. pic.twitter.com/fPZGiZPddj
— DRPS Central East Division (@DRPSCEDiv) April 21, 2020
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, said: “On behalf of City Council and the City of Oshawa, we stand together with the family, friends and colleagues who are mourning the passing of loved ones in this weekend’s tragic events. To the families and friends who have lost loved ones to Covid-19, we express our sincere condolences – you are in our thoughts and hearts.
“I also want to extend my appreciation and gratitude to front line workers and first responders in our community, province and across the nation – thank you for your commitment and service,” added Mayor Carter.
Flags at city facilities will remain at half-mast until further notice.
On behalf of the Region of Durham and residents, John Henry offered “sincere condolences to everyone affected by the tragic shootings in Nova Scotia”.
“As a nation, we are united in these moments of sorrow and grief. We can never understand these senseless acts of violence. But, we hope these communities can find comfort and support in the nation that stands behind them.
“It’s also important to take a moment to thank our police officers and all first responders. You are true heroes. You are the people who risk your own safety to protect our loved ones, our communities, and our homes. Thank you,” Henry said.
Pickering mourns
The City of Pickering, its council, and residents are collectively mourning all those who died in the senseless shooting rampage in Nova Scotia, said Kevin Ashe, Deputy Mayor, City of Pickering
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families, including the men and women of the RCMP who are mourning their fallen officer. We have lowered all flags at city facilities to remember those we have lost.
A song of comfort, from our Pipes and Drums, for the families coping with the unspeakable tragedies in Nova Scotia. From our hearts to yours, we are thinking of you. pic.twitter.com/Xhpejotl4o
— Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) April 20, 2020
“While Canadians remain in isolation from coast-to-coast-to-coast, we are united not only in our grief, but also our conviction that we will always come together as a nation to support one another in times of sorrow and need,” Ashe added.
At least 18 people were killed, including a police officer, by suspect Gabriel Wortman, in and around the small town of Portapique in Nova Scotia, making it the deadliest attack in Canadian history.
Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said he was saddened to learn about the senseless violence in Nova Scotia, which claimed the lives of multiple people, including one member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Cst. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the Force.
“Our hearts go out to the people who have lost loved ones, and to the RCMP family mourning a fallen officer. I also hope for a full recovery for the people who were injured, including one RCMP member who is in hospital being treated for non-life-threatening injuries,” he said.
“Every day, law enforcement members put themselves in harm’s way to ensure our safety and well-being. I thank them, and all first responders, for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and service, and for always being there for us.
“As a country, in moments like these, we come together to support one another. Together we will mourn with the families of the victims, and help them get through this difficult time,” Trudeau added.