Montreal, QC – A touching tribute has been installed on a Montreal sidewalk to honor a grandmother who tragically lost her life in a pedestrian accident.
The installation, known as “ghost shoes,” was placed on the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Rachel Street in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. The shoes, painted white and adorned with flowers, represent the shoes that the victim, 79-year-old Maria Teresa Gallucci, was wearing when she was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street on March 30.
Gallucci’s granddaughter, Maria Jose Gallucci, came up with the idea for the installation as a way to remember her grandmother and raise awareness about pedestrian safety.
“I wanted to do something to honor her memory and also to bring attention to the issue of pedestrian safety in our city,” said Maria Jose.
The installation was created in collaboration with the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough and the organization “Les Amis de la Montagne.” It serves as a reminder for drivers to be cautious and for pedestrians to be vigilant while crossing the street.
According to data from the City of Montreal, there were 18 pedestrian fatalities in 2020, and 10 have already been reported in 2021. This alarming trend has prompted calls for increased safety measures, such as lowering speed limits and implementing more pedestrian crossings.
The ghost shoes installation has already garnered attention and support from the community, with many people stopping to take photos and leave messages of condolences for the Gallucci family.
“I hope that this installation will not only honor my grandmother, but also serve as a reminder for everyone to be more careful on the roads,” said Maria Jose.
The installation will remain in place for the next few weeks, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety in our city.
