On Saturday, a poignant ceremony took place to commemorate the four-year anniversary of the tragic crane collapse in Kelowna that claimed five lives. The event marked the opening of the Rise Memorial Garden at Knowles Heritage Park, a dedicated space honoring the victims of the Brooklyn Tower accident from July 12, 2021. The collapse resulted in the deaths of four construction workers—Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, Brad Zawislak, and Patrick Stemmer—and an office worker, Eric Stemmer, from an adjacent building. Family members, friends, and hundreds of community members attended the gathering, sharing a collective sense of grief and remembrance.
Cailen Vilness’s father, Chris Vilness, played a significant role in advocating for a permanent memorial in the wake of the tragedy. Initially, discussions revolved around creating a mural on a building, but the project evolved into the establishment of a garden and benches dedicated to each victim. The heartfelt sentiment expressed by Vilness underscored the importance of the memorial: “It’s very, very wonderful and we’re super happy about it.” This project serves not only as a tribute to the lost lives but also as a beacon of hope and healing for the families affected.
Despite the memorial’s opening, important legal proceedings remain unresolved. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 issued a call for the B.C. Prosecution Service to move forward with a criminal trial aimed at delivering justice to the victims’ families. Over a year ago, the RCMP had recommended charges of criminal negligence causing death, but no charges have yet been filed. The B.C. Prosecution Service indicated that the investigation is still ongoing, leaving families like Vilness’s in a state of uncertainty.
Chris Vilness expressed the frustrations shared by many family members who have been waiting for closure. “We’re all still waiting for the facts, for some answers,” he shared, highlighting the emotional toll that the prolonged investigation has taken. With the anniversary serving as both a somber reminder of the loss and a hopeful step toward justice, the families have remained patient but are feeling increasingly anxious about the slow pace of legal proceedings.
The memorial garden not only represents a place for contemplation and remembrance but also symbolizes the community’s commitment to ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again. Through this initiative, the families of the victims can assert their ongoing connection to their loved ones while emphasizing the need for accountability and safety in construction practices. Therefore, the Rise Memorial Garden stands as a powerful testament to their resilience.
Ultimately, this anniversary event highlights the profound impact of loss on families and the community while projecting hopes for justice and legislative reform. As families continue to advocate for accountability, they honor the memories of those lost, ensuring that their legacies remain a part of the community’s narrative as they work towards a safer future for all.
