‘Meaningful’ Humboldt Broncos memorial one step closer to reality

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A long-awaited permanent memorial at the site of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash has moved one step closer to fruition.

The committee behind the project announced a concept plan for the memorial approximately 170 kilometres northeast of Humboldt at the intersection of Highways 35 and 335 near Tisdale. The crash, which drew worldwide attention, killed 16 people and injured 13 others when a bus carrying the junior hockey team collided with a transport truck at the rural intersection on April 6, 2018.

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“We have successfully reached this stage following many hurdles that seemed impossible to conquer,” said Carol Brons, whose daughter Dayna was among those who died in the tragedy.

Power lines needed to be relocated, Brons said. Planners needed to decide where to construct a new access road. They had to ensure driver sight lines at the corner weren’t obstructed.

“I’m thrilled that we can get shovels in the ground soon and create something that will be meaningful not only for the families, but also the public,” Brons said.

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The project is set to move forward in two phases. First, site preparation will include carving out the space, along with creating pathways and a sitting area. The second phase will see the installation of a memorial monument in honour of the people killed and injured. According to the concept plan, there will be a primary and secondary memorial at the site, as well as a memorial pond.

The committee is made up of family members from the 2017-18 Broncos, Humboldt Broncos board members, the Humboldt Public Art committee, and city council.

According to the City of Humboldt, committee members Carol Brons, Kurt Leicht, Ed Tobin and Bernie Boulet “have been working diligently in cooperation with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, Water Security Agency, RM of Connaught, CN Rail, and SaskPower to ensure the design is respectful and meaningful while meeting all safety requirements.”

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu was sentenced to eight years in prison for causing the crash. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges. The rookie Calgary trucker, a newly married permanent resident, barrelled through a stop sign at a rural intersection, and drove into the path of the bus carrying the team to a playoff game.

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Singh was granted parole last year and the Canada Border Services Agency had recommended he be deported. Sidhu’s lawyer, Michael Greene, argued before Federal Court in September that border services officials didn’t consider Sidhu’s remorse and previously clean criminal record, asking for the agency to be ordered to conduct a second review. The application was dismissed in December, leaving him one fewer option to avoid deportation.

Kurt Leich, whose son Jacob died in the crash, said the committee “is anxious to get moving forward” with the first phase, possibly within the next month or so.

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