BRIDGEWATER — The Town of Bridgewater and Irving Oil are taking a wait-and-see approach to the concept of a permanent memorial dedicated to Karissa Boudreau.

Irving was recently approached with the idea of a memorial to replace a makeshift shrine of stuffed animals near the site where the murdered 12 year old’s body was discovered on February 9 at the company’s former office property on Highway 331, just outside town on the LaHave River.

“We’ve had some initial discussions with the Town of Bridgewater,” said Irving spokeswoman Samantha Robinson in a March 18 e-mail.

“We understand that the town continues to look at this issue in terms of appropriate next steps. We have agreed to stay in touch and as we learn more about the town’s plans, we’ll determine what role or next steps might be appropriate for Irving Oil.”

Meanwhile, the issue was also discussed at a March 17 town council briefing session.

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Mayor Carroll Publicover said he had also heard from members of the public about the idea of a permanent memorial at the site, but that no decision is imminent.

“Council wants to let some time pass. There’s an investigation ongoing — not that that’s tied to our decision about something like that — but it just seems a little premature.”

Meanwhile, council will listen to suggestions from the public.

“One suggestion was we buy a piece of the piece of land where her body was found for a permanent memorial, but that’s just been a suggestion … eventually, we’ll have to deal with specific requests that are made.”

Deputy Mayor David Walker asked if the Mothers of Angels site at Shipyards Landing would be suitable for a memorial to Karissa.

However, director of parks, recreation and culture Carol Pickings-Anthony said that when the site was created nearly three years ago, her department, the cemetery commission and the town council decided adding names to a memorial there was inappropriate and that it would simply be a respite area with the mandate of the Mothers of Angels on a plaque.

“So to some degree, we do have a permanent memorial for Karissa Boudreau,” said Mr. Walker.

“It’s that space … for the Mothers of Angels, which is for all young people who have lost their lives for whatever reason.”

posted on 03/24/08