City clears makeshift memorials for 11-year-old Parker with family's consent
Spray-painted mural on Deerfoot overpass and memorial at Laycock Park removed; 300 stuffed animals donated to food bank.
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The City of Calgary has cleared public memorials to 11-year-old Parker, who was found dead last month after disappearing from a care facility on July 16. His body was discovered nearly two weeks later on July 29 in a culvert on the west side of Deerfoot Trail.
The removal included a spray-painted mural on the Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive overpass, and a makeshift memorial at Laycock Park in the northeast that held flowers, toys, and messages written on a pedestrian bridge. The city said those closest to Parker were given advance notice and did not object to the removals.
Where appropriate, items like flowers and cards may be offered to the family. The city noted that items left outside deteriorate over time due to weather exposure, and the city regularly removes graffiti under its bylaws.
"While the methods used to honour Parker may vary, the compassion and care behind them are clear," said Doug Morgan, chief operating officer of city services. "We will continue to approach this situation with respect for those grieving while applying our responsibilities fairly and consistently."
On Tuesday, volunteers donated 300 stuffed animals collected at a vigil for Parker to the Calgary Food Bank. The toys will be distributed to families struggling to afford birthday celebrations for their children.
"Nothing in this world could ever take away the sadness that I think so many parents feel on behalf of Parker's family, but I think this is just such an incredible way to turn this into at least a small, tiny ray of sunshine over such a dark, sad moment in our city," said Melissa From, the food bank's CEO.
The city recognizes the desire among Calgarians to pay tribute to Parker and encourages residents interested in creating a permanent memorial to contact city administration for guidance. Temporary memorials can provide a key outlet for communities to grieve after tragedy.
The facts
When was Parker found dead?
Parker was found dead on July 29, 2026, nearly two weeks after disappearing from a care facility on July 16, 2026. His body was discovered in a culvert on the west side of Deerfoot Trail.
What memorials did Calgary remove?
The City of Calgary removed a spray-painted mural on the Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive overpass and a makeshift memorial at Laycock Park in the northeast that held flowers, toys, and messages on a pedestrian bridge.
How many stuffed animals were donated from Parker's vigil?
Volunteers donated 300 stuffed animals collected at a vigil for Parker to the Calgary Food Bank on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The toys will be distributed to families struggling to afford birthday celebrations for their children.
