Consolidation of Lapu-Lapu Day festival attack memorials is ‘too soon’: Filipino BC

Members of B.C.’s Filipino community are upset that the City of Vancouver is planning to move some of the memorials near the site of the horrific Lapu-Lapu Day Festival car-ramming attack.

City crews are expected to begin the work around Fraser Street near East 41st Avenue in Vancouver on Thursday, while memorials at East 43rd Avenue will not be touched.

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Filipino BC says this is too soon, given that the tragedy happened less than a month ago.

“Community members and their loved ones, they created this space, it’s peaceful, it’s beautiful,” said Filipino BC media relations manager Crystal Laderas.

“And they did that because they knew that was what what needed.”

The group says in Filipino-Catholic tradition, the memorial period lasts 40 days.

“So on the 40th day, many people believe that the souls of our beloved community members will ascend to the afterlife,” Laderas said.

“So for many people, those community members are still here with us, and this is how we honour them and visit them at this crucial time.”

Characterized by both the Vancouver Police Department and the city’s mayor as “the darkest day in Vancouver’s history,” the attack killed 11 people and left dozens more seriously injured. Thirty-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in relation to the attack.

“Filipino BC has communicated directly with the City of Vancouver to express that it is too soon to make major changes to the temporary memorial around John Oliver Secondary School,” the community group said in a statement Wednesday.

“In recent days, we have received an influx of calls and messages from concerned community members who want to ensure that the site remains a space for collective mourning, healing, and remembrance for a little while longer.”

It says the city is also going to share plans in the coming days to build a new temporary site of remembrance at Mountain View Cemetary.

“It has only been three weeks since the tragic events of April 26. People are still navigating an immense amount of grief. The memorial site has become a place for prayers, quiet reflection, and honouring loved ones,” Filipino BC said. “We also know that friends and immediate family of those who passed away are regularly visiting the site. An important part of collective healing is ensuring that the memorial is accessible and respected.”

“Community members and loved ones have created something beautiful and peaceful at the temporary memorial because they know that’s exactly what’s needed right now.”

In a statement Thursday morning, the city says the consolidation will be done with “care and respect,” confirming the new memorial site at Mountain View Cemetery.

“The planning for this work has been done in consultation with VPD Victim Services, who are in regular contact with the families of victims, with the support of the Vancouver School Board (VSB), and in communication with cultural organizations and other partners,” the statement said.

The city explained that items including cards, signs and teddy bears will be moved to the cemetery or “stored off-site.” It says fresh flowers will be moved to 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, but items that are perishable and have dried or wilted will be “gently removed and composted.”

“Items that may present a safety risk, for example broken candleholders, will be safely disposed,” the city said, reminding the public that candles and glass are not permitted in Mountain View Cemetery.

The statement adds that the city will implement a “schedule of care” at the two sites. 

The city says the remaining memorials will stay until at least the 40-day mourning period is over, adding it will talk with the families of the victims about a permanent memorial when they’re ready.

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—With files from Charles Brockman and Monika Gul.