B.C. marking day of mourning for victims of Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy

Events are taking place across British Columbia to remember those who died in the Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy in East Vancouver on Saturday evening. 

The B.C. government has declared Friday an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the tragedy, which saw 11 people killed and dozens more injured when the driver of an SUV rammed into the crowd at a Filipino street festival. 

Groups across B.C. have made plans to mark the occasion, with vigils and masses set for Friday and the weekend. 

The public can sign a book of condolences in the main lobby of Vancouver City Hall starting Friday through to May 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also share a message of condolence online.

Vancouver resident Linda Yan was among those who signed in person.

"I was born in Vancouver and I never imagined this kind of tragedy would happen here," she said. "It just seems that at an event where people should feel safe, now we kind of have to be on edge."

The public is also welcome to sign a book of condolences at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria.

At the memorial near the scene of the incident at Fraser and East 41st Avenue, locals came in a steady stream Friday morning, placing bouquets of flowers and lighting candles in memory of those lost. A message board was hung on the fence enclosing the John Oliver Secondary School compound, where people wrote personal notes.

Nathaniel Fernandez, a Filipino Canadian who lives in the neighbourhood, said it was difficult to visit the site in the days following the attack.

"As a Filipino, it just hits hard," he told CBC News. "I think we can't let this define us though, and hopefully next year we will have a Lapu-Lapu festival again and we will get to honour those affected."

He said he was moved by the number of people of all ages and backgrounds who came to pay their respects.

"Vancouver is a caring city," he added. "I hope something like this never happens again."

In a written statement, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said the city stands with the province in observing the day of mourning.

"What happened last Saturday was one of the darkest days in our city's history. A celebration meant to uplift community, culture, and pride was shattered by an unthinkable act of violence," he said.