Hundreds of people gathered outside Edmonton City Hall to call for increased security in Chinatown after two men were killed on May 18.
Thus, Hung Trang, 64, was killed along 98th Street and Ban Phuc Hoang, 61, was pronounced dead on 97th Street. City police said they have filed charges against a 36-year-old suspect.
Before these murders we were scared. Now we are angry explained Wen Wang, general manager of the Chinatown Business Improvement Zone.
Chinatown located not far from the city center has existed for over a century. It is known for crime, drug use and homelessness.
This is urban disasters , lamented Michael Lee, vice-president of the Chinese Volunteer Association of Edmonton. He pointed out that district residents are concerned about their safety, but also about the social aspects that are at the heart of the problem.
Earlier this week, Edmonton City Council heard members of the public on the subject, including Hung Trang’s daughter, one of the two victims, pleaded for security enhancements.
Justice Minister Tyler Shandro used the ministerial power authorized by the Police Act to assign more officers downtown and on public transport. In a letter to the mayor, Amarjeet Sohi, he featured the deaths of the two victims.
The Municipality has already approved $ 300,000 for private security services. The City will also install public toilets, collect needles and beautify the street.
A fund dedicated to the revitalization of Chinatown will also be implemented.
We must have solutions, and we must find them quickly, believes the police chief, Dale McFee, who participated in the demonstration. This is my promise [les résidents].
He asked everyone, whether in government, police, associations or businesses to come up with a plan.
Source: Radio-Canada
