Richmond tribute benches safe after councillor puts hold on renewal fees

The City of Richmond is reversing course on its tribute bench program, after families who bought benches and plaques for loved ones before changes to the program in 2003 were told they'd have to pay again or lose their memorial.

Loretta Byrnes and Juliette Harvey recently shared their family's story with CBC News after receiving notice that the plaques on the bench they bought at Garry Point Park in the late 1990s would be removed if they didn't pay $3,000 for another 10 years.

When they paid $1,000 to buy the bench and plaques, they understood it was a permanent memorial.

But for now, their bench — which memorializes Roméo and Rose Ann Godmaire (Harvey's parents and Byrnes' grandparents) and Doris and Harold Grahn (Byrnes' parents and Harvey's sister and brother-in-law) — is safe.

Moratorium in effect

Coun. Bill McNulty is one of two current Richmond councillors who were sitting during the 1990s.

He passed a moratorium this week at the parks and recreation committee, putting a pause on collecting any fees for the tribute benches or removing plaques.

"I don't think we should be removing any plaques," said McNulty. "If there is a maintenance cost, then I need to see a budget what that is … maybe we can find the funds elsewhere."

McNulty said there are 350 tribute benches in the city, and a list of 150 people who would like to purchase one. He said he has observed families taking on much of the maintenance themselves, tidying litter in the area around their benches and sometimes leaving fresh flowers.

No cemeteries

Richmond doesn't have any cemeteries, due to its soil type and high water table, so according to McNulty, many people rely on the tribute benches to remember loved ones, and scatter ashes around them or in the nearby water.

"If you go look at the names on those benches, you'll see the pioneer families from Steveston, pioneer families from Richmond, and people who were the social and moral fabric of our community, who built our community," he said.

Byrnes was at the committee meeting, along with a few other people worried about benches their families have bought.

"It made me feel great. I mean, it affects so many people, not just ourselves," said Byrnes. But she added a note of caution, since the ultimate decision on the bench program will be made by city council after staff has reported back.

Donation offers

Since Byrnes shared her story, she's had offers from people in Richmond to pay the $3,000 renewal fee, but she politely declined, saying it didn't seem fair to other families in the same position, and money is only part of the issue — she doesn't want to go through the same thing again in 10 years.

"It's amazing and it really, kind of, renews your faith in knowing that there are some good people. But as grateful as we are, there's no way we could accept," said Byrnes.

Follow Rafferty Baker on Twitter: @raffertybaker

Is there more to this story? Email rafferty.baker@cbc.ca