BURST
The group that organized the Lapu Lapu Day festival says it’s too early to start consolidating the spontaneous memorials for the 11 people killed when an SUV tore through the crowd last month.
Filipino B.C., an advocacy group supporting Filipino communities in B.C., said people are still navigating immense grief.
“For a lot of community members, it’s just too soon,” said media relations manager Crystal Laderas on Thursday as city workers began dismantling parts of memorials, taking down and moving cards, mementoes and other personal items, and placing wilted flowers into compost bins.
Laderas said they’ve received calls and texts from people the last few days worried about what would happen to the memorials.
“It hasn’t even been a month since the tragedy unfolded, we know a lot of people are regulars visiting the site including friends and immediate family of people who lost their lives. Understandably, they will be hurt they can’t go to parts of the site anymore.”
Since one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in Vancouver’s history happened on April 26, flowers, candles and handwritten tributes have filled the sidewalks near Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue in Vancouver’s Killarney neighbourhood.
The city has begun the process of consolidating these tributes into two locations — one at the original corner of Fraser and 43rd, and a second at nearby Mountain View Cemetery — citing the need for residents and students in the area to access roads and sidewalks while acknowledging the importance of supporting community healing.
One major memorial site near Fraser Street and East 41st Avenue has been cleared, with items like stuffies and trinkets moved to the cemetery and flowers taken to the 43rd Avenue site.
Filipino Catholic tradition observes a 40-day mourning period after which it is believed the souls ascend to heaven, noted Laderas.
“For those folks, the beloved community members are still here, they’re still present, and visiting the memorial is a way to visit and pay their respects and honour their loved ones,” she said, adding they are expecting an influx of people to visit the site on the 40th day.
The group had shared the feedback from community members with the city on Wednesday, said Laderas. On Thursday, there were Filipino B.C. members on site to guide city workers.
“This is difficult work that will be done with care and respect by city workers,” deputy city manager Sandra Singh said in a statement on Thursday. “We thank the local neighbourhood, Vancouver residents and community partners for their ongoing compassion, care and respect while this sensitive work is underway.”
The city said the planning has been done in consultation with Vancouver Police Department victim services, the Vancouver school district, cultural organizations and other groups.
The public is welcome to continue placing items of remembrance at either of the consolidated sites, encouraging the use of “flameless” candles to prevent fire hazards. However, candles and glass objects are not permitted at the Mountain View Cemetery site.
Fresh flowers will remain at the Fraser Street site. Cards, signs and other personal tributes will be moved to Mountain View or stored off-site.
A regular schedule of care and maintenance is being planned.
Wilted flowers will be composted, and items that pose safety risks, such as broken glass or candle holders, will be removed.
Vancouver school superintendent Helen McGregor supported the city’s decision, noting the importance of a compassionate and coordinated response during an “incredibly challenging time for our community.”
“Recognizing the diverse needs and impacts for many, we appreciate the consideration shown toward students, staff and members of school communities,” McGregor said in a statement. “The careful consideration of all those affected reflects the importance of healing and unity.”
Earlier this month, the city announced a permanent memorial is being considered to commemorate the victims of the attack.