CTV: ‘A concerning trend’: Calls to address gun violence grow as police investigate region’s 12th shooting this year
WATERLOO – In the wake of the Waterloo Region’s 12th shooting this year, one local expert says more needs to be done to prevent further gun violence.
“It’s a concerning trend going the wrong way,” said Michael Parkinson with the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council. “We need to get off this wheel of always being reactive, shutting down successful programs and keep them going for the long run.”
Parkinson is urging community leaders to change the funding model to better support local programs aimed at crime prevent.
“There’s no substitute for an adequate income, for a good job, for having supports in schools, for having the opportunities in recreation and arts and sports,” he said.
Parkinson’s calls for more supports come as Waterloo regional police continue to investigate a pair of weekend shootings in Waterloo and Kitchener.