In the wake of Stratford's first shooting deaths since 1993, there will be a public gathering intended to allow people to express their feelings and seek out help in dealing with the fallout from the incident.
Scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29, the event will feature municipal leaders, faith leaders, Victim Services Perth Huron, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Stratford Police in solidarity for the residents and victims impacted by the shooting on Bradshaw St. earlier this month.
“I want to be clear, I didn’t know the person involved in the incident, so I cannot speculate, but I do want to be clear that the majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent, but unfortunately it does happen sometime,” said Catherine Hardman, the CEO of CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services.
The community gathering will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Rotary Complex.
“Mayor Ritsma came up with this idea to have people come together and talk about their feelings, concerns, fears and to know where to reach out for support if they need it,” said Hardman.
The incident involved the shooting death of Johnny Bennett, the shooting of his partner Stephanie Irvine, and the shooting of David Tokley, and the suicide of Rickey Bilcke following a dispute between neighbours.
“Obviously the incident was shocking, and people are scared,” said Hardman. “We don’t really hear about things like this happening in Stratford.”
The shooting was the first seen in the city since 1993.
