Crosses for Change initiative to get a new and permanent location
Denise Sandul lost her son to an overdose and began the Crosses for Change memorial, which now has 267 crosses
The City of Greater Sudbury today provided an update on the establishment of a permanent place of reflection to honour individuals lost to the opioid crisis.
Following the overdose death of her son, Denise Sandul established Crosses for Change at a main corner in downtown Sudbury, and since 2020, more than 260 crosses have gone up.
However, Sandul and the city's mayor, Paul Lefebvre, have said the space was never intended to be permanent, and the site can no longer accommodate the growing tribute.
"Crosses for Change began as a way to honour my son and all those we've lost to the opioid crisis," said Sandul.
"It has become a place of remembrance, awareness, and community support. I am grateful to the city for working with me to create a permanent space where these stories will continue to be seen, heard, and never forgotten."
The city now says a new spot has been found a couple of blocks away, in Carleton Park, at Paris and Cedar streets, and it will include the installation of a public art piece as a lasting tribute .
"The opioid crisis has taken too many lives and left too many families grieving. Crosses for Change has been a powerful reminder of the real people behind the statistics—loved ones who will never be forgotten," said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre.
"Thanks to Denise Sandul's vision and dedication, we are establishing a permanent place of reflection that will continue to honour those we've lost while inspiring healing and change in our community. The city is proud to support this initiative."
The city will be sending out a request for proposals on the art piece.