On behalf of Council and the Municipality of North Grenville, we join Canadians across the country in remembering the 14 women whose lives were tragically taken in the 1989 Montréal massacre. Over three decades ago, a gunman entered a classroom at École Polytechnique Montréal and deliberately targeted and murdered these women in an act of gender-based violence.

 On December 6, we honor and remember: 

• Geneviève Bergeron
• Hélène Colgan
• Nathalie Croteau
• Barbara Daigneault
• Anne-Marie Edward
• Maud Haviernick
• Maryse Laganière
• Maryse Leclair
• Anne-Marie Lemay
• Sonia Pelletier
• Michèle Richard
• Annie St-Arneault
• Annie Turcotte
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

 In their memory, municipal flags have been lowered to half-mast as we reflect on the devastating impact of gender-based violence and commit ourselves to building a safer future.

 Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in our community and across Canada. Incidents of family violence are still far too frequent, and many women face an increased risk of partner-related violence and abuse. Certain groups—such as Indigenous women and girls, women with disabilities, newcomers, youth, 2SLGBTQIA+ and non-binary individuals, and those in rural or remote areas—are disproportionately affected.

 As Mayor of North Grenville, I am deeply committed to working alongside Council, County colleagues, community partners, and staff to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive community. This requires raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate gender-based violence.

 The Municipality of North Grenville supports this commitment through annual funding for Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville, ensuring enhanced access to support for residents experiencing violence. A dedicated professional is available locally to provide confidential assistance, whether in person or over the phone.

 If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. Together, we can work to ensure our families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods are safe and free from violence.

 Community Supports:

• Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville http://vslg.ca | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 343-264-2676 (North Grenville number) | 1-800-939-7682 (Emergency line)
• Leeds & Grenville Interval House 1-800-267-4409 | http://lgih.ca
• Naomi House 613-774-2838 (24/7 Crisis Line) | https://naomiscentre.ca/
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511 Text #SAFE (#7233) | www.awhl.org/  
• Assault Response & Care Centre of Leeds and Grenville 1-800-567-7415 | www.arc-c.ca/
• Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville 1-855-667-2726 | https://fcsllg.ca/