"Kelowna Crane Collapse Memorial Honors 5 Lives Lost Four Years On"

A memorial garden in Kelowna has been unveiled to honor five men who died in a crane collapse four years ago. The Rise Memorial Gardens feature five dogwood trees for each man and a legacy oak tree representing the community. The families of the victims say the space will be a place for grief, healing, and reflection. The incident occurred during the dismantling of a tower crane being used to build a residential tower.

A memorial garden in Kelowna, British Columbia, has been unveiled to honor five men who died in a crane collapse four years ago. The Rise Memorial Gardens, located at Knowles Heritage Park, features five dogwood trees for each man and a legacy oak tree representing the community. The families of the victims expressed that the space will serve as a place for grief, healing, and reflection.

The incident occurred during the dismantling of a tower crane being used to build a residential tower. The tragedy took place on July 12, 2021, when Patrick Stemmer, Eric Stemmer, Jared Zook, Cailen Vilness, and Brad Zawislak lost their lives. The memorial garden opened to the public on the same date in 2025, marking the four-year anniversary of the incident.

The garden was created through years of planning, coordination, and community effort. The North Okanagan Labour Council announced a partnership with the City of Kelowna to find a space for the memorial on the first anniversary of the tragedy. The project was brought to life by the Rise Memorial Foundation, the City of Kelowna, and various community organizations, raising over $350,000 for its construction [1].

The memorial garden features five benches, one for each victim, and a legacy oak tree to symbolize the community's unity and resilience in the face of tragedy. The opening ceremony included a moment of silence, the reading of the victims' names, and speeches from family members and dignitaries. The families expressed their gratitude for the memorial but also emphasized the ongoing need for workplace safety regulations and accountability [1].

Despite the passage of four years, the families have not received a definitive answer regarding the cause of the crane collapse. The BC Crane Safety executive director, Clinton Connell, acknowledged this during the opening ceremony, stating, "These men did not give their lives, their lives were taken. No one should lose their life at work" [1].

In response to the incident, WorkSafeBC implemented new crane regulations that came into effect in October 2024. These regulations aim to enhance crane safety standards and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The government and industry are continuing to collaborate to make long-lasting changes in crane safety [1].

The memorial garden serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the impact of such tragedies on families and communities. The opening of the Rise Memorial Gardens underscores the community's commitment to honoring the victims and ensuring that their sacrifice is not in vain.

References:
[1] https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/local-news/rise-memorial-garden-opens-to-honour-5-men-lost-in-2021-kelowna-crane-collapse-8129260