Sometimes you just have to offer the invitation.

Over 850 people walked respectfully through our downtown last evening, neighbours walking with and for their neighbours.

Downtown business owners and staff and residents were there. I met a baby who is eight days old and lives just doors from the Curry House. City staff and elected officials were there. I met a new member of the Owen Sound police who is from West Africa, and most recently lived in France, and has chosen to work here.

There were people there still grieving personal losses and facing their own fears. People for whom walking even those few blocks was a challenge, or impossible. Parents showing their children what community looks like.

You were all there. And many more were there in spirit, but commitments kept you other places. You sent messages, flowers and donations large and small.

Sharif's cousin, who was also attacked at the Curry House that night, was standing on a corner with his two Canadian housemates, being greeted by people who know him from his work at the Y Cafe. I introduced him to one of his city councillors and his member of parliament.

Sharif's brother and family could see the people in the market square from the window of their home. They know you were there.

We don't know why this violence happened.

Three men ate in the restaurant, left without paying and attacked the owner and staff to escape the bill. They were not unhoused people – they were thieves. We don't know where they were from, or how they knew each other, or why they did it. We'll get some answers; some things we may never know for sure.

But the impact has been the same regardless of the answers to those questions. Fear, anger, and a feeling of vulnerability among those who live and work downtown.

There will be a time for problem solving, with every voice at the table. In the meantime we need to continue to support our downtown neighbours with our words, with our presence and with our business.

Last night we were together as a community, with and for each other, and for that moment, it was enough.

- Editor

photo: Wil McReynolds

video @ Good Noise