‘It cannot be normalized’: Orillia councillor demands change after father of five killed along city trail

Justin Van Allen (L) pictured with his daughter. (R) (Supplied)

“Violence, open drug use, theft, intimidation and disorder in our city are not acceptable. And it cannot be normalized.”

Those were the words from Orillia city councillor Whitney Smith as she addressed the community in a video following last week’s tragic death along a popular city trail.

Smith’s message come on the heels of last Tuesday’s alleged attack of 47-year-old Justin Van Allen, a devoted husband and father of five, who police say was stabbed while walking his dogs along Scout Valley Trail.

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In a video, Smith described the tragedy as one that has “shaken the entire community,” noting that Scout Valley is a place where many Orillians go to walk, spend time with family and “find peace.”

“This tragedy has also highlighted the growing concerns many residents have been raising about community safety,” she said in the video. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in our parks, on our trails, in their neighbourhoods and throughout our city.”

The Orillia city councillor said she has been meeting with county partners and staff to discuss safety measures and hopes to continue working toward “practical solutions that improve safety for everyone while ensuring those who need help can access appropriate supports.”

She also mentioned that current approaches throughout the city have not been effective. “The approaches used over the last few years haven’t solved the problem. And we need to be honest about that,” Smith said, adding that while compassion is important, “we also need accountability.”

According to investigators, police were called to the Scout Valley area just after 7 p.m. on June 2 after reports of a man in distress.

• What we know about the man charged with murder on an Orillia walking path

Devon Alamina, 33, has since been charged with murder in connection with Van Allen’s death. Court records show Alamina was previously convicted of assault with a weapon and failing to comply with a probation order earlier this year. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.

Smith said her immediate focus remains with the victim and his family. She also acknowledged that many residents no longer feel secure in a place they call “home.”

“I hear from people who no longer feel comfortable in parts of our city and our trails,” she said. “This is a problem.”