An Open Letter To Our Friends and Neighbours in Parham

Dear friends and neighbours

The past 24 hours have been difficult for our community.

As the Council representatives for Hinchinbrooke - and Parham - we would like to offer our thoughts at this time.

First, we offer thanks and gratitude to our first responders – the officers of the OPP, our local firefighters, and those from neighbouring municipalities that came in our time of need. The men and women of the CFFD are local volunteers who regularly put their own safety at risk in the course of their duties. They are not only neighbours and friends, but we both have been proud to have counted our own families among their ranks. The extraordinary circumstances of the events in Parham on Sunday night did not deter their commitment to all of us, and we are fortunate to have such people in our midst.

We are grateful for the skill and the professionalism of the OPP in bringing this matter to an end, acknowledging that this situation could have been far worse.

In a small community like ours, we all know those who have been injured from the actions that occurred. To Jordan and others, we are thankful that those injuries are the kind that can heal. We also understand that the impact of this tragedy will take even longer to reconcile emotionally. Time, love, patience and support are what is needed most.

To the congregation of St. James Anglican, there are not sufficient words to describe the sorrow we feel for the loss of your spiritual home. We are reminded that a church is not a building, but its parishioners. You will rebuild, and we stand ready to offer help.

For the people of Parham, the events of Sunday night may have drawn the attention of the outside world, but we know that this is not who we are. We were here before, and we will still be here long after the press has moved on to the next breaking news story. Sunday night does not define our community, but it strengthens our resolve to show our true face as we all work together to recover.

On social media, people are using the hashtag “Parham Strong”, and in the coming days and weeks the people of the village - of Hinchinbrooke District and all of Central Frontenac - will demonstrate that strength and resolve. Like successive generations, we will acknowledge our loss, summon our determination, and will rebuild.

We are proud of this community, and the indomitable spirit of those we are fortunate to represent.

#ParhamStrong

Brent Cameron

Councillor, Hinchinbrooke District

Central Frontenac Township

Nicki Gowdy

Councillor, Hinchinbrooke District

Central Frontenac Township