Community Update | May 22, 2025
This morning, Filipino BC was on site alongside provincial psychosocial services and the City of Vancouver at the temporary memorial at East 41st Ave. and Fraser St. to oversee the careful and respectful consolidation of tributes. Items such as cards, signs, and teddy bears were thoughtfully gathered and stored, with plans to move them to a new temporary memorial at Mountain View Cemetery. Fresh flowers were relocated to the 43rd Ave. and Fraser St. site, while perishable, wilted, or dried items were gently composted. Any materials posing safety risks were safely recycled or disposed of. More information about the next steps will be shared in the coming days.
Community members are welcome to continue contributing to the temporary memorials at both 43rd and Fraser and Mountain View Cemetery, with a few important guidelines in place. To keep the spaces safe and accessible for everyone, we ask that sidewalks and streets remain clear, large items be avoided, and open flames be extinguished and removed after your visit. At Mountain View Cemetery, candles and glass objects are not permitted—flameless candles are encouraged instead. Filipino BC is working with the City to ensure that signage at these sites is clear, compassionate, and welcoming with translations of the various languages spoken in the community.
As part of ongoing efforts to support community wellbeing, the City is working on the installation of benches at Mountain View Cemetery to provide elders and other visitors with a safe and comfortable place to sit, reflect, and rest. A regular schedule of care will also be maintained at the 43rd and Fraser memorial in close collaboration with the City, Victim Services, and community partners.
Filipino BC continues to advocate for these spaces to be treated with cultural sensitivity and deep empathy, especially as many feel that the grieving process is still ongoing. We have respectfully emphasized to decision-makers that the temporary memorial site at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street is not to be disturbed at this time, honouring the Filipino cultural belief that the souls of the deceased remain near for 40 days—a sacred period of mourning and visitation. While the City has initiated consolidation efforts at the original 41st Ave. and Fraser St. site to address safety and accessibility “in close coordination with Victim Services,” Filipino BC urges that any actions involving the 43rd Avenue site proceed only with deep cultural sensitivity, community consultation, and trauma-informed care.
It’s also critical to recognize that not all injured individuals or families of the victims are engaged with the VPD or Victim Services, which can further complicate communication and access to support, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive outreach and inclusive community engagement and consultation.
The Kapwa Centre at Christ City South Vancouver (5887 Prince Edward Street) remains open as a warm and welcoming space for anyone seeking connection, nourishment, or comfort, whether that’s a hot meal, the company of a friendly dog, or a moment to rest. Upcoming dates are scheduled for:
Friday, May 23, from 5 to 8 PM
Saturday, May 24, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Tuesday, May 27, from 5 to 8 PM
Friday, May 30, from 5 to 8 PM
Saturday, May 31, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Thank you for your continued compassion, patience, and care as we move through this difficult time together.
