CBRM councillor says residents not informed about 2nd shooting in Sydney Mines

In a recent turn of events, it has come to light that residents in Sydney Mines, N.S., were kept in the dark by police after two shootings occurred on the same street last month. Gordon MacDonald, a Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillor representing the area, expressed his surprise at learning about the second shooting through the Cape Breton Post newspaper rather than from authorities.

MacDonald emphasized his concern over the safety of residents in Sydney Mines and questioned the reasons behind bullets being fired randomly at properties on the same street. While the regional police issued a news release in early March following the first shooting incident on Cottage Street, they failed to inform the public or local officials about the subsequent shooting on the same street.

This lack of communication raised eyebrows as regional police typically inform local councillors about public safety issues in their districts. MacDonald, who received numerous calls from worried residents regarding the second shooting, stressed the importance of transparency and timely updates from law enforcement in such critical situations.

Police spokesperson Desiree Magnus confirmed the occurrence of a second shooting but provided minimal details, stating that no injuries or property damage were reported in the incident. MacDonald urged the police to improve their communication with the public during serious events and sought answers from Mayor Cecil Clarke regarding the lack of information shared with him and the community.

While MacDonald acknowledged that he was unaware of any connection between the recent shootings and a fatal incident in Sydney’s Whitney Pier neighborhood in February, he noted that constituents have been discussing a potential rise in serious crimes within the municipality. Without adequate information from law enforcement, MacDonald found it challenging to reassure residents and advised them to remain vigilant and cautious of their surroundings.

As concerns mount over the perceived increase in criminal activities, MacDonald emphasized the importance of community awareness and urged residents to stay alert and vigilant in light of recent events. The need for enhanced communication and collaboration between authorities and the public remains crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of residents in Sydney Mines and the broader Cape Breton Regional Municipality.