Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The City of Calgary has cleared public memorials to 11-year-old Parker, the young boy found dead last month after disappearing from a care facility.
That includes a spray-painted mural on the Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive overpass, as well as a makeshift memorial at Laycock Park in the city’s northeast, that included flowers and toys, and messages written on a pedestrian bridge.
In a news release Wednesday, the city said those closest to Parker were given advance notice and did not object to the memorials’ removal.
The city said where appropriate, some of those gathered items, like flowers and cards, may be offered to the family.
On Tuesday, volunteers donated 300 stuffed animals collected at a vigil for Parker to the Calgary Food Bank. The toys will be given to families struggling to afford birthday celebrations for their children.
“Nothing in this world could ever take away the sadness that I think so many parents feel on behalf of Parker’s family, but I think this is just such an incredible way to turn this into at least a small, tiny ray of sunshine over such a dark, sad moment in our city,” said Melissa From, the food bank’s CEO.
Volunteers donated 300 stuffed animals to the Calgary Food Bank Tuesday. Calgarians left the toys at a memorial for 11-year-old Parker, and Jennifer Ball, the mother of a non-verbal autistic child, organized the donation. (CBC)
The city says it recognizes the desire among Calgarians to pay tribute to Parker, whose disappearance prompted a city-wide search and a swell of community support and grief.
But the news release adds that items left outside will be exposed to weather and could deteriorate over time. The city also regularly removes graffiti under its bylaws.
“While the methods used to honour Parker may vary, the compassion and care behind them are clear,” Doug Morgan, chief operating officer of city services said in a statement.
“We will continue to approach this situation with respect for those grieving while applying our responsibilities fairly and consistently.”
The city says temporary memorials can provide a key outlet for the community to grieve in the aftermath of a tragedy like this one. It encourages residents to explore the possibility of a permanent memorial to honour Parker.
Anyone interested in creating such a permanent tribute can contact city administration for guidance.
Parker, who had autism, went missing on July 16. His body was found nearly two weeks later on July 29 in a culvert on the west side of Deerfoot Trail.