News release

Legislation Designating Special Places Introduced

Justice

Legislation designating three sites as special places honouring those who perished on Swissair Flight 111 was introduced today by Justice Minister Robert Harrison.

The three locations are: the approximate crash site in the Atlantic Ocean; Bayswater in Lunenburg County, where some remains will be buried; and Whalesback, which is close to Peggy's Cove in Halifax Regional Municipality.

The sites will serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives Sept. 2, 1998. They will also honour the hundreds of Nova Scotians who responded in the aftermath of the tragedy.

"We hope these areas will provide a measure of comfort, not only for the families but for those who mourn with them," said Mr. Harrison. "Nova Scotians have opened their hearts to those so deeply affected by this tragedy, now we offer a small piece of our home as well."

The Bayswater site will allow for the burial of the unidentified remains. It will also accommodate the burial of identified remains in accordance with the wishes of the families.

The Whalesback and Bayswater sites will be marked with granite memorials that complement the natural beauty and serenity of the area. They are being designed by a project team that includes architect Richard Earle, Lloyd MacLellan Construction Services Ltd. and Nova Tile and Marble Ltd. The crash site will be designated as a special place on marine maps.