'There is a crisis': 3 homicides leave north-end Halifax reeling

The shooting death of Tyler Keizer has left north-end Halifax community members reeling, and after nine days of tragedies people throughout the area are rallying to come up with long-term change.

Keizer, 22, died after being shot late Monday night at the corner of Gottingen and Falkland streets. His was the third homicide and fourth shooting in nine days.

"We need help. Our community is in pain," said Melinda Daye, who first learned of the shooting early Tuesday morning.

"There is an epidemic, there is a crisis, all of those words."

Daye didn't know Keizer, but knew some of the other victims. She said it has been an emotionally exhausting week for many people, and they're turning to the church and their faith for support.

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"This is not the norm; it's not supposed to be. Our children are not supposed to wake up and see yellow tape again and again."

Politicians need to show commitment

Daye said one concrete solution is to engage politicians of all levels — including the provincial justice minister. She's calling for a round table discussion with community leaders so they can come up with an action plan to engage young people and stop the violence. 

"There's something going on in your city," she said as a message to politicians. "We need to know that you are as serious in terms of helping us as much as we feel we need the help."

At Halifax City Hall, newly elected Coun. Lindell Smith took a moment to address Tyler Keizer's death. Smith grew up on Gottingen Street, and said it was a tough day to have to come in to work after hearing the grief from his community.

"It's hard to see community members suffering, hurt, burying young, young, young guys," said Smith, adding there are ways to stop the violence.

"It's a tough time, but also there are people there for you," he said. "Don't be afraid to say you need help. We're all here. We're all dealing with it."

Young men need jobs

Sharon Johnson, who has lived in the area for more than three decades, says there's one significant way to help deter others from ending up in a life of crime: meaningful job creation.

"Our young people are at a point [where] they just feel that they're lost. They're really lost," she said. "These men are in their 20s, but people have to realize they're also young fathers. They have babies, children. Like anyone, they want a start in life."

Johnson said while there are numerous programs to train people, they all run for a finite amount of time. And at the end of a few months if participants can't find work, they end up back on the streets. 

"People think it's a cop-out when I say there are no jobs. Well, where are they? These young men have a hard time finding work to survive, so we need to start there first. Making sure that these men have a way of living and living the right way."

'This is an amazing community'

Meanwhile, officials at the North End Community Health Centre say they're ready to support anyone who needs help coping with what's happened in the community.

Dr. Rod Wilson, the executive director, said people are doing everything they can to help the families of the victims, including contributing to cover the costs of funerals.

"I think there's a sense of wanting to do something, but also just looking out for each other," he said.

Wilson spent Tuesday morning reaching out to community leaders, and they'll do whatever is asked of them. He said despite the grief and loss, there is hope.

"Part of advocacy is saying this is an amazing community. It's proud. It's resilient. It's been through a lot in the past. Don't let this define it."