'They are people': Memorial pays tribute to those who lost their lives on the streets of Moncton
The names and faces of dozens of people who lived and lost their lives on the streets of Moncton, N.B., are currently memorialized in a downtown mural.
Sabrina Robichaud has been struggling with homelessness and substance use disorder for a decade.
Sabrina Robichaud created a memorial to provide a space where people can sit and talk and share memories of people who lost their lives on the streets of Moncton, N.B.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Robichaud wanted to build a tribute for Moncton-area friends she’s lost over the years.
According to Robichaud, many of the 128 people on the wall didn’t have obituaries or funerals.
“That's not right,” said Robichaud. “They are human. They are people. We might have went down the wrong roads that people didn't want us to go down, but we all have our struggles. We all have our traumas and we all have different paths.”
It started out modestly about a week ago, but within a few days the memorial has grown with more and more tributes.
“Somebody came up and looked at a photo and said, ‘He's gone?’ He didn't know his best friend was gone,” said Robichaud.
“I had a mother not even know her child was gone because he was on the streets.”
Charlie Burrell is the founder of The Humanity Project, an organization that helps feed, clothe, rehabilitate and give homeless people another chance in life.
The mural is right next door to his downtown location.
“It’s a stark reminder, even for me. I know 95 per cent of those names on the list and to see all those names compiled on a list, it's sad. Especially when I see the ones that wanted help. They don't deserve to be on that list. They wanted a better life,” said Burrell.
According to the Greater Moncton Homelessness Steering Committee, 21 members of the city's homeless population have died so far in 2024. Thirteen of those have been by overdose.
Homeless advocate John Renton also knew many of the faces on the wall. He hopes the mural will bring more attention to the city's homelessness and drug crisis.
“I mostly see a grin and I remember funny little details of how I knew that person and some silliness. That's what I try to focus on, but there's a lot of sorrow there as well,” said Renton.
Lee Banfield writes on a memorial for people who lost their lives on the streets of Moncton, N.B.
Robichaud’s friend Lee Banfield had a hard time describing what the mural meant to her.
“There's no words for it really. Our friends, our loved ones that we've all lost. It's hard,” said Banfield. “It doesn’t get better.”
Robichaud has been on the streets for about six months now, but is seeking affordable housing.
The 29-year-old started the mural to create a space where people can sit and talk and share memories.
She doesn't want to see anymore of her friends end up on the fence.
“I'm just worried about who's going to be the next on the list and it scares me every day,” said Robichaud.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.