Abbotsford to develop policy concerning roadside memorials

Abbotsford city council has approved the development of a policy that will deal with makeshift roadside memorials.
These are usually set up by family or friends of someone who dies, but some are left up for years and there’s no policy on taking them down. Councillor Dave Loewen doesn’t think they need to have something in writing.

“I would prefer an approach where after a period of time, not an official time, that staff would approach families and question them and show them the options that are available, and perhaps move toward the removal of these memorials in a tasteful and timely manner.”

He and councillor Patricia Ross were outvoted on the issue. This policy will address any safety or cleanliness concerns that pop up. City staff indicated there were no reports of any traffic accidents caused by them, and Councillor Ross said they might actually be a good thing for drivers as a reminder to slow down if that person was killed in a traffic accident. Most of the reports to the city are regarding aesthetic reasons.  There are at least 15 roadside memorials in Abbotsford currently. This city would be the first in the region to have a policy…Kelowna is the closest.