Shyanne Charles, 14, and Joshua Yasay, 23, died on July 16, 2012, when gunmen opened fire at a party at an apartment complex in Scarborough. More than 20 people were injured. The shooting shocked Toronto. The trees are located in Port Union Village’s Common Park, near Port Union Road and Lawrence Avenue East. The shooting took place some distance away on Danzig Street. A ceremony was held in the park on Saturday to honor the victims. Tyrone Charles, Shyanne’s grandfather, said at the ceremony that Shyanne left her family with many memories. “The tree represents hope, life, happiness, freedom,” Charles said. “Today is one of those days when we remember her in a bright way, not as a death. We remember her as a life.” Charles thanked the city officials for their presence at the ceremony. He said he feels good that people haven’t forgotten his granddaughter. “Trials make us bitter or make us better. Troubles make us or break us. But we have a choice to be victims or winners. We choose to be winners. We don’t celebrate death, we celebrate Shyanne’s life.” Later, Charles said: “In our hearts, she is still alive.” Tyrone Charles, right, speaks at a ceremony Saturday to honor the two people killed in the Danzig shooting 10 years ago. His granddaughter, Shyanne Charles, was one of the victims. (World News) Mayor John Tory said the community is determined to make sure nothing like the shooting ever happens again. He said the community is a good community of families raising their children. “No family in Toronto, no citizen, no resident, no one who lives here should have to worry – on a happy, family occasion, summer, winter, spring or fall – about gun violence as something that is a reality they face as they face try to live a family life,” Tori said. Tory said the shooting was “crazy” and had left scars. But he said it was important to have hope and determination to prevent further violence. Later on Twitter, Tory said: “Today, we gathered in Port Union Village Common Park to remember the victims of the 2012 Danzig tragedy. While there, I shared my deepest condolences and continued support to Shyanne Charles’ family. “ Councilors Jennifer McKelvie, Michael Thompson and Paul Ainslie and MP Gary Anandasangaree also attended the ceremony. According to McKelvie, the city planted the trees Saturday morning. McKelvie said the community remembers Charles and Yasay. “Ten years later, we continue to hold them, and the community of Danzig, in our hearts,” he said on Twitter. The city’s website said the Toronto sign was dimmed Friday night in memory of the victims of the Danzig shooting and other victims of gun violence. The city said the light will be dimmed Saturday night as well. Today, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Danzig tragedy. Along with them pic.twitter.com/nNe48zzl49 —@TorontosMayor This morning on the Port Union Village Common, the Ten years later, we continue to hold them, and the Danzig community, in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/s9XvaywP98 —@McKelvieWard25
