Honour Garden

The Honour Garden was created as a peaceful space to reflect on the tragic deaths of three RCMP officers in 2014.

The wife of an RCMP officer who is memorialized at the site is concerned with the Riverfront master plan, which includes recreation next to the Honour Garden.

Nadine Larche is the widow of Doug Larche, one of the three RCMP officers who tragically lost his life on June 4, 2014. She addressed the Moncton City Council this week.

“Last November, I attended the riverfront master plan open house and was really pleased to see many exciting ideas being proposed. I support a vibrant riverfront that brings people together while ensuring Honour Garden remains a peaceful, reflective space. I wanted to state clearly that I do not support the original concept for the areas surrounding the Honour Garden,” Larche explained.

She said the current plans, as they stand now, appear to overlook the role of the Honour Garden as a serene place for reflection. She would like to ensure that this memorial, which should be respected, is surrounded by some clear formalized protections.

“To provide some context, on June 4th, 2014, three RCMP members were killed protecting our community. Two others were seriously injured, and many more first responders rushed to help. That day was one of the darkest in our community’s history. Many remained forever affected. In the days that followed, our community came together to support the RCMP first responders, the families and one another. Honour garden was later created along the riverfront to remember the bravery shown that day and the strength of our community,” Larche stressed.

“Honour garden celebrates life, bravery, community spirit and resilience. Views of the Moncton skyline and the Petitcodiac River provide a peaceful location to honour the commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This space is not only a memorial, but it’s a collective expression of grief, respect and remembrance.”

Larche has a degree in recreation, and stated that she fully supports active recreation and development, but strongly felt the monument honouring Constables Doug Larche, Dave Ross and Fabrice Gevaudan should remain quiet and respectful.

“I have serious concerns about initial proposals placing active recreational uses immediately beside this space, such as pump tracks, essentially a skateboard park for bikes, a splash area or a playground. I’ve also heard suggestions about moving the monument, which I strongly oppose. We would not place active recreation beside the Cenotaph in Victoria Park or near other memorials in our city. I respectfully ask for the same consideration to be given to Honour Garden,” Larche expressed.

She would like to see a buffer zone established around Honour Garden, to protect the intent of the memorial and provide planning clarity as the riverfront evolves.

“Establishing this buffer would allow the riverfront to remain vibrant while ensuring Honour Garden is treated with care and dignity.”

General Manager of Community Services Isabelle Leblanc responded that Trace Planning and Design is working with the three families currently, and another meeting will be held in the near future. Leblanc added that they will be coming back to the City Council when there is an acceptable plan for the families.