THE City of Vancouver announced on Thursday that following consultation with victims and their families of the April 26 tragedy through the Vancouver Police Department’s Victim Services, the temporary roadside memorial at 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street will be consolidated with the existing temporary memorial at Mountain View Cemetery on the morning of Wednesday, August 20.
Items at the temporary roadside memorial that can be transported will be gently moved by City staff to the cemetery and placed there. Items that cannot be transported – such as expired flowers, candles or glass – will be respectfully composted or recycled. Community members who wish to keep or move their personal items themselves are invited to do so before this date.
The City of Vancouver continues to recognize the importance of spaces for expressions of remembrance and grief. For those wishing to visit and pay their respects, the three memorial structures located at Mountain View Cemetery, will remain in place at this time.
Those wishing to leave items of remembrance are asked to bring them to the memorials at Mountain View Cemetery. Candles and glass objects are not permitted for safety reasons.
The City will return to a regular schedule of care in the neighbourhood, including ongoing maintenance of the temporary memorials at Mountain View Cemetery, and will continue to undertake this work thoughtfully and respectfully.
The City says it recognizes the community’s interest in establishing a permanent memorial to honour those who lost their lives. Any decisions regarding a permanent memorial will prioritize the wishes of the families who lost loved ones as a result of this incident. The City will provide updates on this in due course.
The City says it reiterates its heartfelt condolences to all who have been impacted.
United Way BC continues to support community organizations assisting those affected. Applications for financial assistance remain open, with up to $50,000 available per application. Information from the City regarding the April 26 incident can be found here.
“The City of Vancouver continues to recognize the importance of spaces for expressions of remembrance and grief.”
For the last 19 years – at the end of October – there was a beautiful event held at Mountain View Cemetery – called “Night For All Souls” – it was a non-denominational event honouring loved ones who have passed on. Very healing and much needed these days. The City of Vancouver – last year decided 2024 was the last year for this event. So I don’t believe that the City of Vancouver cares about the expressions of remembrance and grief. If they did – why did they cancel Night For All Souls?