The City of Vancouver is planning to dismantle a roadside memorial for the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy.
In a press release on Thursday, the city says it will consolidate the roadside memorial at 43 Avenue and Fraser Street with another memorial at Mountain View Cemetery.
The city adds they have engaged in discussions with the victims’ families and are working to ensure the relocation is done with sensitivity and respect.
The Vancouver Police Department’s Victim Services has moderated those conversations.
The city emphasizes its commitment to maintaining the cemetery memorial and collaborating with the victims’ families to potentially create a permanent commemoration.
In a statement, Filipino BC says they are pleased to see staff consulting with families and they plan to visit the cemetary soon.
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“Filipino BC plans to visit Mountain View Cemetery with community members in the near future to do some gentle tending to the space, and add flowers and small offerings for the memorial structures,” reads the statement.
Additionally, individuals who have placed mementos at the original site are invited to retrieve them before the city’s move.
Items that can’t be moved, such as wilted flowers, candles, or glass, will be composted or recycled.
The roadside memorial reflects the collective grief of the city’s Filipino community and honoured the victims affected by the April 26 incident, where a vehicle was driven into a crowd of festival attendees.
With files from Canada Press.