Dartmouth community clearing brush, installing lights where 18-year-old Chelsie Probert died

Tony Hubley has spent the last few days clearing thick brush around a pathway in north-end Dartmouth.

He’s doing the work for free and with a single pair of garden sheers, all to help make people in the neighbourhood feel a little more comfortable.

“Just clearing it for safety, for me and for others,” said Hubley.  “It’s something that should have been done long ago.”

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The pathway – which connects Albro Lake Road and Farrell Street – has become a concern for many.

A makeshift memorial marks the spot where Chelsie Probert, 18, was found dying on June 6.

WATCH: Suspicious death of 18-year-old woman in Dartmouth ruled a homicide

1:39 Suspicious death of 18-year-old woman in Dartmouth ruled a homicide

Her death was deemed a homicide but so far, her killer remains at large.

“At this time, the investigation is ongoing and we’re exploring all avenues,” said Melissa MacInnis, Halifax Regional Police.

“It’s too early for me to really comment on suspects at this time.”

READ MORE: Two weeks later and still no arrests in Dartmouth homicide of Chelsie Probert

Tony Mancini, the councillor for the area, says the land surrounding the pathway is owned by Nova Scotia Power but leased by the Halifax Regional Municipality.

He says police recently completed a safety assessment of the pathway and surrounding area.

“The report came back yesterday and they recommended cutting back the brush that’s in there. Turn the area into more of a public park, lighting is recommended in that area and HRP would like to investigate with us, cameras, but they also have some caution around cameras too,” said Mancini.

“I was speaking with staff today and we can improve upon the lighting there. Look at the fence that’s there, look at the bushes and really open up that space so there’s no places for people to hide or things of that sort,”said Mancini.

READ MORE: ‘It’s sad’: Halifax police investigate suspicious death of 18-year-old woman

While officials work to figure out what to do, people like Hubley aren’t waiting and taking it upon themselves to make the area feel safer.

In addition to Hubley, someone has placed solar lights from one end of the pathway to the other.

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Mancini says he isn’t surprised to see people coming together in the community to help out.

“All of our communities have crime and it will go up and down the types of crime we have. Dartmouth North sometimes gets a bad rap. They are very proud of their community so I’m not surprised they’re doing this,” he said.

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