The Unresolved Grief and Frustration of Families Seeking a Memorial for Kelowna Crane Collapse Victims
The tragic crane collapse in downtown Kelowna, British Columbia, on a summer day in July 2021, remains a vivid and painful memory for the families of the five men who lost their lives. Steven Zook, father of 32-year-old Jared Zook, describes the relentless replay of the horrific images in his mind, a constant reminder of the devastating loss. The collapse claimed the lives of four construction workers: Jared Zook, Cailen Vilness, and brothers Patrick and Eric Stemmer. Brad Zawislak, working in an adjacent office building, also perished in the catastrophic incident. The families, still grappling with their grief three and a half years later, have faced an additional hurdle in their quest to establish a lasting memorial to honour their loved ones.
The RISE Memorial project, conceived as a sanctuary for reflection and remembrance, has encountered a setback in its funding efforts. The memorial, planned for Knowles Heritage Park near the site of the tragedy, has garnered over $150,000 in community donations and pledges. The newly formed RISE Memorial Foundation anticipated securing matching funds from a provincial capital grant to initiate construction. However, the foundation’s application was denied, leaving the families feeling deeply disappointed and questioning the province’s priorities. Kelly Hutchinson, the foundation’s secretary-treasurer, expressed frustration, asserting that the stated reason for denial—insufficient funding—was wholly inaccurate. Hutchinson emphasized that the project is "shovel-ready," with secured funding and even contingency funds from the city, leaving no financial obstacles to commencing construction.
Chris Vilness, president of the RISE Memorial Foundation and father of 23-year-old Cailen Vilness, expressed his dismay at the government’s decision, emphasizing the added burden placed on the grieving families. Vilness believes the government has a responsibility to support the memorial project, and the families should not be left to plead for funding. He described the experience as humiliating, highlighting the emotional toll of continually advocating for a memorial dedicated to their loved ones. Beyond the memorial project, the families continue to await the results of the ongoing criminal investigation into the crane collapse. Vilness pointed out that the government, through WorkSafeBC, the RCMP, and now the Crown, holds the crucial factual information regarding the events of that fateful day. He implored the government to support their cause, both in funding the memorial and providing answers about the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
In response to the families’ concerns and media inquiries, the provincial government has shown a willingness to reconsider the funding application. Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, acknowledged that while the project didn’t meet the specific criteria for the initial funding stream, he recognized its importance. He expressed his desire to meet with the organizers to explore alternative avenues for providing support and ensuring the memorial’s realization. This offer of dialogue represents a glimmer of hope for the families, who have been tirelessly advocating for a place of remembrance.
The families envision the RISE Memorial as a space that transcends the specific tragedy, offering solace and support to anyone navigating grief and loss. Steven Zook emphasized that while the memorial is inspired by the five men who perished, its purpose extends beyond their individual stories. It is intended as a sanctuary of "safe solitude," a place where individuals can find comfort and healing amidst their personal struggles. This broader vision underscores the memorial’s potential to become a valuable community asset, providing a dedicated space for reflection and remembrance.
The RISE Memorial project stands as a testament to the families’ enduring commitment to honouring their loved ones and transforming their grief into a positive force within the community. Their dedication to creating a space for healing and remembrance, coupled with renewed engagement from the provincial government, offers hope that the RISE Memorial will become a reality, providing a lasting tribute to the lives lost and a source of comfort for those who mourn. The families’ unwavering pursuit of this project underscores the profound impact of the crane collapse and the enduring need for a place where the community can come together to heal and remember.
