Hockey sticks were placed outside a range of City of Yellowknife facilities on Tuesday as the municipality remembered those who lost their lives in the Humboldt Broncos bus disaster.
Sticks will remain outside the upper level doors of City Hall, the multiplex, fieldhouse, community arena, pool, and fire hall for the next 15 days, recognizing the 15 people who died when a bus carrying the junior hockey team collided with a transport truck in Saskatchewan on Friday.
Residents across Canada, and the world, have left sticks outside their homes and buildings – a tradition initially designed to ensure children had access to sticks for games of road hockey – as a symbol of support for the community of Humboldt.
Meanwhile, the City rapidly reconsidered its decision after initially refusing the Yellowknife Wolfpack a lottery licence for its planned fundraiser in aid of the Broncos families.
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The minor hockey program will hold a charity event on Sunday from 5pm at the Ed Jeske arena with all proceeds donated to those affected by the disaster.
However, Cabin Radio understands the Wolfpack was initially told it could not have a licence for its 50/50 draw and raffle table – as related bylaws dictate money raised must remain in the community.
Exception
The bylaw in question states licensed lotteries must have “a benefit to the community as a whole or a
significant portion of the community.”
By Tuesday afternoon, the City had changed its mind and agreed the Wolfpack fundraiser could go ahead unhindered.
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“While the City has instituted bylaws and policies to ensure transparent, consistent, and fair delivery of services across a broad range of situations, sometimes exceptions need to be made; this is one of those times,” read a statement issued by the City.
“The City has reconsidered its assessment of the Yellowknife Wolfpack’s 50/50 application and will be issuing them a licence as soon as possible.
“The City is proud of the initiative, compassion and support this group is displaying and encourages the community to support them in this endeavour.”
Yellowknife’s municipal officials also sent their condolences to the City of Humboldt, saying: “We grieve the tragic loss of those 15 lives, and our hearts are with the Humboldt community.”
