News Release
Mayor Says Gottingen Street 'Mislabeled'
(Friday August 20, 2004) - Sailors and civilian crew aboard the USNS Comfort can rest assured that time spent on Gottingen Street, as well as any other area of HRM, is not a risky venture.
Mayor Peter Kelly spoke earlier today with Acting Admiral Captain Rick Payne, Deputy Chief of Police Tony Burbridge, Councillor Dawn Sloane and Michelle Strum of the Gottingen Street Merchants Association, and all agreed to work together on addressing any concerns naval officials have with regard to the safety of Canadian and visiting military personnel.
"There's a lot of good people who live and work on Gottingen Street," said Mayor Peter Kelly. "The face of Gottingen has changed a lot over the last five years, but sometimes old perceptions die hard. It's a sweeping generalization to assert that Gottingen Street is unsafe based on information from years ago."
"Halifax Regional Municipality will be pleased to work with CFB Halifax to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for sailors and visiting ships," he added.
Advice given to the sailors and crew of the USNS Comfort by Canadian military officials suggested the Gottingen Street area be avoided after dark.
Deputy Chief of Police Tony Burbridge said, "Use common sense as you would walking anywhere. It's best to walk in groups after dark, particularly late at night."
Deputy Chief Burbridge went on to note that HRM police headquarters is located on Gottingen Street and police maintain a strong presence in the area.
Mayor Kelly and Halifax Regional Police Superintendent Stephen Sykes conducted a walkabout on Gottingen Street this morning to meet some of the merchants and residents to address their concerns.
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Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010
Deputy Chief Tony Burbridge, Halifax Regional Police
490-7138
