While the floral tributes will wilt away, the tragic events that took place at Lynn Valley Village on March 27 will live on in the hearts of the North Shore community forever.
As spent flowers begin to be removed, the District of North Vancouver has created an online memorial to “preserve and document the outpouring of love and strength” from the community during these “difficult times.”
The district has launched the Lynn Valley Remembers website to give the community a space to continue to heal, give tribute, and to remember the woman who lost her life and the victims whose lives were impacted during a brazen and seemingly random stabbing attack at the village just over two weeks ago.
“Here, we are sharing inspiring photographs from the moving floral tributes that spontaneously grew outside Lynn Valley Library, and invite you to show your support for Lynn Valley, in pictures or words,” the new district website states.
“These powerful images and messages of hope and healing reflect the compassion and resiliency our community has shown while rallying together to support the victims, their families and friends, those who were witnesses, first responders, and all others affected by this tragic event.”
Cassie Brondgeest, district communications co-ordinator, said the district was planning the next steps to address the ongoing needs of victims, families, and the community, with guidance from experts in victim and grief services, faith and cultural leaders, and its community partners.
“While we continue to work through ways to continue supporting the community, in the short-term District Parks staff will be removing the spent flowers, separating the flowers from the plastic wrap, and composting the flowers,” she said.
The compost from the flowers may be used in a future memorial garden.
Residents with a message of support or healing words that they’d like to share with the Lynn Valley community can upload an image to the new website or leave their thoughts in the comments.
Shared photos will be uploaded once district staff members have had a chance to review them.
Mental health and wellness support
The Lynn Valley Remembers website also offers a list of mental health and wellness resources available to support healing from the tragic event, including agencies and organizations on the North Shore, other mental health organizations, a selection of library materials, clinical supports, spiritual care, and religious resources and 24/7 phone supports.
The North Shore Emergency Management’s virtual Wellness & Resiliency Centre also remains available to support people in the community impacted by the tragic event.
Call 1-888-686-3022 or email MRT@phsa.ca to request a telephone support call. Callers are asked to explain they are someone who has been affected by the incident on the North Shore and provide a number where they can be reached.
