Ashley Grant is concerned for the safety of her workers.
As reported shootings hit a record high in Hamilton — 53 so far this year — businesses and establishments like Grant’s are feeling the impacts.
If that trend continues to rise, they fear the city they call home will no longer be the gem it once was.
“Our restaurant has been significantly impacted in terms of the security and safety of our staff and how safe they feel at work,” said Grant, owner of The Mule, a taco restaurant in the downtown core.
“It’s caused us to … get security on late nights to try to make sure our staff feel safe, not only in the building but even when walking to their cars at night.”
In 2024, Hamilton police find themselves in uncharted territory.
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The last time Hamilton, one of Ontario’s most populated cities, came close to 53 shootings was in 2020 when the city set a …