Published on December 1, 2015 | by Kristina Ramcharran Photography by Kristina Ramcharran
0Paris Attacks touch home in Rexdale
Security and police presence has gotten heavier in Toronto in wake of the terrorist attacks that happened in Paris leaving 129 people dead.
Toronto residents will be noticing more police patrolling the city. This is in order to prevent the possibility of a similar occurrence, said Toronto Mayor John Tory at the Paris vigil held at city hall the day after the attacks.
The city of Toronto, being a major city around the world is considered a possible target for such attacks, carried out by the terrorist group ISIS. Toronto is doing what it can ensure people are safe.
“Well the police chief has assured me that they are taking all the steps necessary as they do everyday to make sure the city is safe”, said Toronto Mayor John Tory on safety in the city after the tragedy.
The stronger police presence includes more officers from different regions in the GTA patrolling the roads more and staying in prominent public places such as shopping malls, subway stations and popular places in the downtown core.
The increased police presence is everywhere in Toronto in the days after the attack, including in Rexdale.
“No matter what’s going on in the rest of the world we want people in Toronto to be safe, and we’re doing that today, as we did yesterday, and as we will do tomorrow,” said Tory.
The people of Rexdale reacted mildly at the security situation, however they still felt the emotional impact of the Paris attack.
Carol Nilsen, a resident of Rexdale for 50 years spoke out on the ongoing crime in the community. “Yes safety in Toronto, in Rexdale in general needs to be stepped up,” she said.
Although people of the community are mourning the tragic attacks in Paris, Rexdale residents like Nilsen don’t feel that it is necessarily a threat to their safety because of the far proximity.
Nilsen spoke of the reality of the situation and said, “Have (sic) what happened in Paris really really affected the average Canadian citizen, I have to say no. Did it shake us up, yes. Did our hearts break at what happened and the lives lost, the innocent lives lost, totally, yes.”
With the higher police presence, Toronto wanted civilians to be safe and ensure that they can carry on with their lives as usual.
The city suggests that people stay focused on their day-to-day lives, and that the trusted police force will continue doing their job the best they can in situations such as this.
Meanwhile the people of Rexdale continue to send their love and condolences out to Paris.
About the Author
Kristina Ramcharran Your typical University of Guelph-Humber student and much more. Kristina enjoys coffee, car photography, and is likely to be enjoying a slice of pizza at the moment. I also enjoy referring to myself in the third person, just for effect!
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