Improved lighting, additional security and a registration system will be in place at the Africville family meeting next weekend, in response to a shooting that left five people injured in the event last July.
The new measures have been implemented as a result of a security audit organizers requested after unprecedented armed violence in the event, which brings together former residents and descendants of the historic black community.
Running for more than 40 years, the weekend festival is one of the most important of the year for many people returning to what is now a national historical site, after the neighborhood was shot down by the city of Halifax in the 1960s.
“We want people not only to be safe, but we need to feel safe to return here and join us,” said Irvine Carvery, president of the Africville Genealogy Society, organizing the annual event.
Carvery said some attendees had felt worried about the return, but they are sure they feel better knowing that precautions have been implemented.
“I want them to come here, feel comfortable and enjoy the scholarship and renew old acquaintances and introduce new generations to their families,” he said.
People from all over Canada and parts of the United States attend every year with up to 5,000 people passing through the park during the weekends of the meeting, he said.
They were around 10 pm and dark when the shots shot last year, Carvery said, so the security review suggested lighting throughout the park.
That will be done this year using portable lights.
“All lands should be well enlightened for people throughout the weekend,” he said.
‘I’m not going to be afraid to go to Africville’
Participants will also be registered and a park pass will be given as they arrive, which must then be exhibited while they are in the park.
Additional security is being hired and the police presence for the weekend has been ensured.
In a statement, the Halifax Regional Police confirmed that the officers will be on the site and patrol the surrounding area.
“We want the community to feel that it can celebrate its history and culture without fear. We encourage anyone who sees something related to marking an officer or calling the police,” the statement said.
Paula Grant-Smith, who grew up in Africville and has never lost a family reunion, will return this weekend.
“I go because that is something we have always done and I will not be afraid to go to Africville,” Grant-Smith said.
She said that last year’s tragedy hurt her heart and has shaken some of her younger relatives.
A niece and a nephew who are about ten years old are reluctant to return.
“To have that shot, they were traumatized then and now they are traumatized,” he said. “If they come there, they won’t stay.”
He supports the new security measures, but planned to return independently of continuing his family’s tradition to honor Africville’s spirit.
The police have not made any arrest in the case, and have said that they believe that people have information that could help their investigation.
In April, the New Scotland government announced that it offers a reward of up to $ 150,000 to try to find those responsible for the shooting.
There have been no more tips as a result of the incident being added to the main program of unsolved crimes, police said, adding that they still expect someone to be presented.
People are expected to begin Thursday with the meeting events that run from Friday to Sunday.
