Amherst organizing memorial for family that perished in camper fire
With pandemic protocols still in place across Nova Scotia, organizers in Amherst say they're working on plans to allow the largest amount of people to attend while still staying safe.
The heartbreak of those tragic deaths has seemingly been felt across the province and in an attempt to allow the community to grieve the losses together, a public memorial has been tentatively set for Friday afternoon in Amherst.
It was just over a week ago when the family of six were camping on family-owned land in Millvale, N.S. Thirty-year-old RJ Sears, 28-year-old Michelle Robertson, 11-year-old Madison, eight-year-old Ryder, four-year-old Jaxson, and three-year-old CJ all succumbed to the smoke and fumes created by a small fire inside the trailer.
A memorial that is open to the public will take place at Victoria Square in downtown Amherst.
In a brief conversation Monday, Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin said an exemption to current pandemic gathering limits in the province was approved by public health for the event -- though the exact number of people allowed to attend is not yet known.
“The town is working with the funeral director and the family in an effort to maximize the number of people who can attend the event still respecting COVID limitations and restrictions because that can never be forgotten," said Amherst mayor David Kogon.
Current guidelines state a maximum of 250 people can gather outdoors with masks and social distancing.
Kogon says with the entire province mourning the losses along with the families, efforts are being made to ensure COVID-19 restrictions will be followed.
"It could become much larger than is allowed, so yes, our Amherst Police Force will be in the periphery and they will be keeping things under control," Kogon said.
Streets surrounding the park will also be closed to traffic to allow for less disruption during the ceremony.
The funeral home that has been organizing Friday's memorial says they're encouraging people to take part in the ceremony virtually, even if they're able to attend in person.
An online stream will be available and the funeral home's director say he hopes this option will help reduce in-person numbers and keep the gathering within COVID-19 limits.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.