Justice remains uncertain after four years
For the families of Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, Eric and Patrick Stemmer, and Brad Zawislak, the unveiling of a memorial garden in Kelowna is both a tribute to their loved ones and a reminder that justice remains elusive, with no criminal trial yet scheduled four years after the fatal crane collapse.
The Rise Memorial Gardens, located in Knowles Heritage Park in downtown Kelowna, was officially opened on July 12, coinciding with the anniversary of the 2021 incident. The site features five dogwood trees planted for each of the men who died, surrounding a central oak tree.
On July 12, 2021, the arm of a tower crane collapsed from about 25 storeys during dismantling at a residential construction site on St. Paul Street. The crane struck a neighboring office building.
Vilness, Zook, and the Stemmer brothers were working on the construction site. Eric and Patrick Stemmer, aged 32 and 28, were employed by their family’s company, Stemmer Construction, contracted to operate the crane. Zawislak, 43, was inside his office at Protech Consulting when the crane hit the building.
Families and community members gathered for the memorial’s unveiling. Kelly Hutchinson, secretary and treasurer of the foundation that created the garden, said it was designed as a space for grief, healing, and remembrance for anyone affected by workplace tragedies.
Hutchinson noted that several other incidents have occurred since the crane collapse, but there had been no public space inviting reflection and remembrance until now.
Pam and Steven Zook attended the unveiling, describing it as a deeply emotional experience. Steven said the garden will be a peaceful place to sit, knowing it represents their son. Pam said Jared, known to his family as "Uncle Bear," was devoted to his relatives.
Layne Vilness said his brother Cailen was known for his open-hearted nature and lack of hatred.
While the garden offers a memorial, families and labor groups have expressed concern that accountability remains unresolved.
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 called on the B.C. Prosecution Service to move forward with criminal proceedings. The Kelowna RCMP recommended a charge of criminal negligence causing death in February 2024, but no decision has been announced.
IUOE Local 115 business manager Bryan Railton said families have yet to see justice, and the industry remains without answers on the cause of the collapse. The union also cited four other tower crane incidents in British Columbia since 2021.
