Preliminary discussions underway for permanent memorial for Lapu-Lapu festival victims

Preliminary discussions are underway about how to permanently memorialize the victims of the Lapu-Lapu festival tragedy in Vancouver.

In the days since 11 people were killed and dozens more were injured at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, several large makeshift memorials have popped up around the grass field at the school where the tragedy took place.

RJ Aquino with Filipino BC says preliminary discussions are now underway for a permanent memorial on or near the field at John Oliver Secondary, to remember the victims.

“It’s just a matter of what it looks like, what shape it’ll take. And right now, just gathering that community input,” Aquino said.

“Many people are in support of it, but it’s definitely something that would require a lot more thoughtfulness and a lot more engagement.”

Vancouver councillor Pete Fry expects the city will be involved in the discussions.

“Obviously, there would be a conversation with surviving family members, there would be a conversation with the school and residents to figure out what is the most sensitive and appropriate kind of memorialization for a permanent acknowledgment to be,” said Fry.

In the coming weeks, Vancouver School Board trustee Preeti Faridikot will be proposing a motion for a permanent memorial near John Oliver Secondary.

“The design, the vision for the memorial will be shaped in collaboration with the Filipino community, the students, the people who were actually affected, the city and the province,” Faridikot said.

“This will ensure the memorial is actually authentic, respectful and inclusive.”

Aquino said some ideas being considered in early discussions are memorial benches, plaques, and a garden.

“It’s really uplifting how important this is for people, especially for those who want to directly contribute to it, whether it’s donating in order to build it, artists coming into the conversation, obviously the city and other stakeholders wanting to take part in a meaningful way to ensure that this is done right,” said Aquino.

In the meantime, there are no plans to remove the large displays of flowers, candles and tributes near the school, which have become a place for people to gather and to grieve.

“I haven’t heard anybody suggesting that needs to go,” said Fry, adding the makeshift memorials have become very important for the community.

“I think for the time being, there’s no rush to remove this.”