The family of a slain teen is asking that part of the Newton park where he was killed be named in his memory.
Devon Allaire-Bell, 19, was playing soccer with a buddy near Frank Hurt School at 138 Street and 77 Avenue on April 24 when they were confronted by five Indo-Canadian males.
An argument ensued, which turned into a physical altercation. One of the larger group produced a knife and stabbed Allaire-Bell and his friend.
Allaire-Bell (pictured left) succumbed to his injuries.
Last November, his father Wayne Bell and about 50 friends took on the task of cleaning the park, including the area where the five suspects are believed to have made their getaway.
Bell was before council Monday afternoon, asking that the park be named in Devon's memory.
Council referred the proposal to staff.
"The city does have a current policy within which loved ones are able to do something in honour of somebody that they have lost," said Coun. Barinder Rasode. "So we will be looking at anything within that policy."
The policy does not allow for the naming of parks after loved ones who have been killed, Rasode said. "At this time, it can be a feature within the park."
One option is for a memorial similar to the one planned for Maple Batalia in Holland Park.
Batalia was gunned down in a parkade near Simon Fraser University in September.
The Batalia family plans to plant a memorial tree and install a bench with a plaque on it at Holland Park where Maple and her mother would often take walks.
The staff report regarding the request of the Allaire-Bell family is expected back before council in the coming weeks.
Police are still looking for the people responsible for killing him.
The five suspects were caught leaving the scene on video surveillance. One male in his 20s is dressed in light-coloured clothing with large distinctive writing on the back of his shirt. He is also wearing a white and black ball cap.
Another of the suspects has a unique, marine-style haircut, with the sides and back shaved and only a small amount of hair on top.
If you have any information you are asked to contact the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team tipline at 1-877-551-IHIT(4448). Or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).