Sod Turning Ceremony at the 2017-18 Humboldt Broncos Site

Posted: October 7, 2024

Monday, October 7, 2024                                                                                “For Immediate Release”

Statement from

The City of Humboldt and the Humboldt Broncos Memorials Committee on
SOD TURNING AT THE 2017-18 humboldt broncos TRAGEDY site

Humboldt, SK – The Humboldt Broncos Memorials Committee (“the Committee”) is delighted to announce that they are now moving forward with Phase I of constructing a permanent memorial at the site of the 2017-18 Humboldt Broncos tragedy. A “Sod Turning Ceremony” was held at the site on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Committee members Carol Brons, Kurt Leicht, Ed Tobin, and Bernie Boulet have worked diligently in cooperation with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways & Infrastructure, Water Security Agency, RM of Connaught, CN Rail, and SaskPower to ensure the design is respectful and meaningful while meeting all safety requirements.

“I am thrilled that we finally have shovels in the ground and are moving forward after conquering many hurdles to get here. This is a step forward in healing. We really appreciate everyone’s input, thoughts and prayers at this time,” said Carol Brons, mother to Dayna Brons who lost her life in the tragedy.

“On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank Kirsch Construction, WestCrete, Paramount Paving, and the many others for their contributions and for helping to make this project a reality,” said Kurt Leicht, father to Jacob Leicht who lost his life in the tragedy.

The project will proceed in 2 phases. Beginning on Monday, October 7, Phase I will be site preparation which will involve earth moving, the creation of pathways, and a sitting area taking place over the course of the next couple of weeks. Phase II will be a memorial monument in honor of the 16 who lost their lives and the 13 whose lives were changed forever. More information about Phase II will be released in 2025. The site of the tragedy is 170km northeast of Humboldt at the intersection of Highways 35 and 335 near Tisdale.

To see the video of the “Sod Turning Ceremony”, go to https://broncostributecampaign.com/publications/.

The draft concept plan for the site can be found on the “Broncos Memorials Campaign” website: broncostributecampaign.com/publications/.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Penny Lee
Marketing and Development Manager, City of Humboldt
Phone: 306.682.2525, ext 665
E-mail: penny.lee@humboldt.ca

Click to Enlarge.

Click to view/download Revised Concept Plan.

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