The Nova Scotia government is offering up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a shooting last year at an Africville reunion event in Halifax’s north end.
Department of Justice officials say the July 27, 2024, shooting that left five people injured has been added to the major unsolved crimes reward program. Justice Minister Becky Druhan said the shooting continues to have a serious and heartbreaking impact on the victims, their families, and the wider community.
“Gun violence in our communities is unacceptable. Everyone who came together to celebrate the rich culture and resilience of Africville that weekend had the right to feel safe,” Druhan said in a statement Wednesday.
“I ask anyone who knows something to please come forward. You can help make our province safer and bring justice for the victims,” she added.
The province said its decision marks the first time since the program was launched in 2006 that money is being offered to help solve a crime that is not a homicide or a suspicious missing persons case.
In July 2024 Halifax police said two men exchanged gunfire near a crowd at the reunion in Africville Park, and five people were shot.
Crowds of people were in the park celebrating the 41st annual reunion of residents of Africville, the historic Black community in the north end of Halifax that was demolished in the 1960s. The event was set to host a DJ and dance on the night of the shooting.
Police have so far made no arrests in the case.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2025.