New memorial benches honour shooting victims

A memorial to honour victims of a mass shooting in Nova Scotia is now complete.

The memorial garden in

Rex McCoul Park at 2868 Trunk 2 in Shubenacadie honours the memory of RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson, Joey Webber and Gina Goulet. They were among 22 people and an unborn child who were killed by a gunman during a 13-hour shooting rampage April 18 and 19, 2020.

The garden includes benches that are dedicated to the memory of the three victims who lost their lives in Shubenacadie.

Shirley Peach, a volunteer board member of the Shubenacadie Community Development Association (SCDA), proposed the idea of a memorial, which was supported by other members of the SCDA.

Al MacLeod, president of the SCDA, said they’ve had a positive response from the community and the victims' families after it was completed on Oct. 11.

He said the memorial is a result of donations and volunteer work from various community members and small business owners who wanted to honour the victims of the tragic shooting.

“The bigger story here is the lives lost and we just wanted to do something because we could and people rolled up their sleeves to make it happen,” MacLeod said.

“We’ve been noticing a lot of people visiting the park. People have been spending time there, walking around and I’ve had people say how nice this is and that they’re glad it’s done. Nothing but positive.”

MacLeod said he contacted the families of the victims and has received positive feedback from them as well.