This year marks the 70th anniversary of the tragic drowning of 12 children from a community centre in Montreal. They died in a boating accident at Cap St-Jacques, near Île-Bizard.
It happened on July 13, 1954 and is still considered one of the deadliest boating accidents in Canadian history.
The children took part in a summer outing that day organized by what was known at the time as the Negro Community Centre in Little Burgundy.
“The tragedy in 1954 profoundly impacted Montreal’s Black community,” the West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) wrote in a press release.
Denzil Alleyne, Margo and Marilyn Fonseca, Brenda Kelly, Carol and Alan Leek, Paula Millington, Leon Nealey, Edwin and Diane Springer, Doreen Walton, and Estelle Walton were the children who died that day in 1954.
“This tragedy not only devastated families but also brought to light significant issues regarding water safety and systemic challenges faced by many from marginalized communities. … Although immediate changes in boating safety regulations were limited, the incident played a crucial role in the gradual development of more stringent safety standards in Canada,” WIBCA wrote.
A memorial service was held at the site of the tragedy Saturday, at Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park.
“This event will provide a space for community reflection and remembrance. Grief of counselors will be available to offer support to the community. Grief counselors will be available to offer support to the community. They will be at the memorial and are available as needed moving forward.”
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Saturday’s memorial service was part of a series of activities organized to commemorate the 70th anniversary. A service will be held at the Union United Church on Sunday at 10 a.m. to honour the memory of the 12 victims and provide a space for the community to come together.