COMMUNITY VIOLENCE NEEDS ATTENTION

COMMUNITY VIOLENCE NEEDS ATTENTION By Councillor Lisa Robinson Over the last several months, the City of Pickering has been rocked by violence — the kind of violence no community should ever have to face. Let me remind everyone exactly what has happened in our city: On May 2, a man was found dead in Pickering — our city’s first homicide of the year. On May 29, an 83-year-old woman was stabbed to death in her own front yard by a 14-year- old boy. On July 5, a 69-year-old woman was killed in a suspicious house fire on Primrose Court — now confirmed to be a homicide. And just days ago, on July 11, a man’s body was found near Highway 401 and Whites Road — the fourth homicide in just over two months. Four lives gone. Four families shattered. And an entire city left asking: what is happening to Pickering? But it doesn’t stop there. We are also seeing an alarming rise in carjackings, violent home invasions, guns seized, and increasing threats to public safety — right here in our neighbourhoods. Partner violence is up. Mental health breakdowns are up. Homelessness is rising. And far too many people feel abandoned — by the very system that’s supposed to protect them. Let me be absolutely clear: this is not just a public safety crisis. This is a crisis of leadership. Because while the violence rises, City Hall stays silent. While families mourn, the headlines vanish. And while people feel afraid to walk down their own streets, not a single elected official is standing up to say: Enough. Well, I will. To the families of the victims — I offer my deepest condolences. No words can take away your pain, but please know this: you are not alone. If you need support, I will do everything I can to help. I will fight to make sure your loved one is not forgotten. And I will never stop demanding justice — not just for them, but for every single resident who calls this city home. To the people of Pickering — I hear your fear. I feel your frustration. But I also know your strength. We are a city of good, hardworking people — and we deserve to live without fear. We deserve leaders who care. And we deserve a system that puts the safety and wellbeing of its people above political games and bureaucratic silence. I was elected to serve — not to sit quietly while our city unravels. And I say this today not just as a councillor, but as a mother, as a neighbour, and as someone who loves this community deeply: This city needs leadership. Real leadership. Leadership that’s not afraid to tell the truth, to face the hard problems, and to stand up for the people — no matter the cost. So I’m here. I’m standing firm. And I’m not going anywhere. Because the safety of our people is not negotiable. Because every life matters. Because this is our home — and I intend to protect it. Thank you. And may God be close to the brokenhearted tonight. Kind regards, Lisa Robinson “The People’s Councillor” City of Pickering “Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It” - Lisa Robinson 2023