Here’s where the Kelowna crane tragedy victims will be commemorated

The Rise Memorial: that’s what the planned permanent memorial will be known as for the five people killed in the Kelowna crane collapse tragedy in the summer of 2021.

The special space of five trees amidst four small gardens – one for each family that lost loved ones – will be located at Knowles Heritage Park at 865 Bernard Avenue.

That’s just a short distance from the building site where Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, and brothers Eric and Patrick Stemmer died when the crane working on a Mission Group tower on St. Paul Street collapsed. Brad Zawislak, who was working in an office, also died in the incident.

Marking the second anniversary of the tragedy Wednesday, Kelly Hutchinson with the North Okanagan Labour Council (NOLC)– which has spearheaded the project in conjunction with input from the families, and help from businesses and many members of the community - said the site will memorialize the five people whose lives were lost and become a place of reflection.

“Today marks the end of a two-year journey, trying to find a meaningful way to offer something to the families and our community,” Hutchinson said, adding the families had come together to try to find a way to rise above the tragedy.

The memorial garden, a collaborative project between the NOLC, Ecora Engineering, the City, and United Way which will handle the fundraising, will feature many special elements.

“This memorial garden will be a place for families and community to heal, reflect and remember,” Tanya Reid with Ecora Engineering said. “We use the word ‘rise’ because it invokes promise of hope. It brings to mind trees rising to the sky and buildings rising from nothing."

The design sees each of the four gardens rise up and spiral towards the centre with the spiral representing the sacred connection to each other, Reid said.

In confirming the park land use for the memorial, Kelowna mayor Tom Dyas said it was important for the community to never forget.

“The City of Kelowna is committed to promoting safety in all areas of our community and this is just one way we can honour those who lost their lives on the morning of July 12, 2021,” he said.

Steven and Pam Zook, the parents of Jared, thanked the community for two years of support since the tragedy.

“We are so grateful to each and every person who has been on our journey… and we just want to thank you for honouring and remembering our young men,” Pam said.

The United Way will manage all fundraising aspects in the months ahead and said they expect the money and resources, including discounted or pro bono assistance, labour and supplies. to come together quickly to make the memorial a reality.

The goal is to raise $300,000 to pay for the design, construction, and maintenance of the Rise Memorial. Donations over $25 are eligible for a CRA tax receipt.

Donations can be made here.

A WorkSafe investigation into the cause of the crane collapse has concluded but has yet to be made available to the pubic to ensure it does not jeopardize the ongoing and concurrent criminal investigation.