Changes to Abbotsford Remembrance Day ceremony due to homeless camp disappoint some – B.C

It was a very different Remembrance Day in Abbotsford, B.C., and some participants said it was disappointing that other arrangements had to be made.

Last week, the local legion said a homeless camp on the grounds of Abbotsford City Hall would force them to make changes to the city’s memorial service.

To ensure that parade areas could be monitored and deemed safe, the cenotaph and surrounding areas must be restricted to parade participants, veterans and dignitaries, it said.

The city livestreamed the services online in a special viewing area at the city’s Rotary Stadium, but many attendees said it wasn’t the same as watching the service in person.

Veteran Don Carlson said it was a very moving ceremony, but it was also hurtful, it couldn’t be the same as previous years.

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“I feel like we’re being blackmailed by some of this and it takes away from the celebratory atmosphere of this parade,” he said.

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Abbotsford camp forces move to commemorations

Gwen Settle, a Cold War Navy veteran, told Global News she was disappointed the public couldn’t be at the Cenotaph and see the parade, but life must go on.

“It’s like anything else in life, you have to make the most of what’s presented,” she said.

“The main reason for all of this is to honor and serve those who served, especially those who have died, and that must be done from everywhere.”

In September, the city of Abbotsford issued a trespassing notice against the camp’s residents.

The Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society challenged the notice in court and the Supreme Court of British Columbia supported the city’s plan to clear the encampment. However, the court ruled that the city must take a phased approach to the eviction.

This meant the removal would not be completed by Memorial Day, prompting the Legion to adjust its plans.

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