Calgarians reflect, pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II

A desk is set-up at the McDougall Centre in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Calgary on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. (Tate Laycraft, CityNews photo)

By Rachneet Randhawa and Tate Laycraft

Posted Sep 11, 2022 12:17 pm.

Last Updated Sep 11, 2022 3:15 pm.

Calgarians are taking the time to pause and write a few words in honour as they reflect on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II, the only monarch many Canadians have ever known, has died.

The 96-year-old was put under medical supervision at her Balmoral estate in Scotland after doctors became concerned for her health. Her family gathered in Scotland on Thursday, Sept. 8 to be with her.

We're saddened to learn the news of the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II & fondly remember her last visit to Calgary in 2005, celebrating our province’s centennial.

Learn about Her Majesty's connection to Calgary & how to send condolences: https://t.co/pK6crhGSc1 pic.twitter.com/q7o4QJSP37

— City of Calgary (@cityofcalgary) September 8, 2022

In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, Calgarians are paying respect and reflecting on the monarch’s impact.

Calgarians are signing a condolence book, which provides a place for thought, at Mcdougall Centre in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

“I think she’s kind of the last link to the old world. And that’s broken now,” said James Sturgeoff.

“I wanted them to remember that the queen, our queen, lived a life of service. Selfless service to the people of Great Britain of course but to everybody in the commonwealth,” said Chanele Bouchard.

For Airdrie resident Phil Goldsney, family ties and sacrifice played a big role in his decision to sign.

“My father and my uncle, you know, fought for king and country back in the day and were both wounded in the Second World War. So [it’s] just a real tie to the monarchy and to the royal family and to the queen,” said Goldsney.

Condolences are also being collected online via the Alberta government.

But for Phil, it was important to put pen to paper.

“I just thought, oh you know, I’ve never done this before. But I’d like to just sign for my wife and I, that we recognize it is a solemn time.”

Flags at all City of Calgary and partner facilities will remain at half-mast during a ten-day period of mourning.

An additional condolence book will be available at city hall starting Sept. 12.

A frame is set-up at the McDougall Centre in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Calgary on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. (Tate Laycraft, CityNews photo)

A desk is set-up at the McDougall Centre in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Calgary on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. (Tate Laycraft, CityNews photo)