Community Update | May 21, 2025
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. 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.
We have been informed by the City that starting tomorrow, Thursday, May 22, it will begin a careful, phased consolidation of the memorials near Fraser St, beginning near 41st Ave. This process will move forward in consultation with the families of victims. The City has also shared plans to create a new temporary site of remembrance at Mountain View Cemetery and will have an update in the coming days.
After providing feedback and recommendations to the City of Vancouver on behalf of concerned community members, we have confirmed that the temporary memorials on 43rd Ave. will not be disturbed at this time.
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. 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.
As we have said before, any major changes to the memorial should be done so with care, compassion and in consultation with victims’ families. Filipino BC is available to advocate for loved ones who want their wishes respected in regards to the memorial site.
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.
Filipino BC remains committed to honouring the voices of our community and supporting all those impacted. We will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability and compassion as decisions about the site are made.
