Dear Reader,

Our city experienced a terrible tragedy one year ago this week that continues to reverberate across the region.

Eleven people died and many more were injured when an SUV drove through a crowded street at the Lapu Lapu festival on April 26.

Journalists in our Vancouver newsroom were on the scene that night and continued to cover the aftermath for victims, their families and the entire province with local reporting that is only possible because of the support of readers like you.

The work of the Vancouver Sun and Province was honoured last week with a National Newspaper Award, the country's top journalism prize, for sustained coverage.

The award judges noted: “Long after the national spotlight faded, the team’s sustained, rigorous reporting made it poignantly clear the Lapu Lapu tragedy was not confined to a single day.”

I'm proud of the local journalism produced daily by the Vancouver newsroom and our commitment to telling stories like these that matter to you.

Our award-winning Lapu Lapu coverage went beyond the headlines to research and tell every victim's story at a time when so much false information circulated online. We explored how police investigate such a crime, checked in with survivors on how the health care system is treating them and examined the future of festival security.

And we haven't stopped caring about this story. 

Reporters Lori Culbert and Glenda Luymes marked the tragic anniversary with a compelling story that reflected on the horrors that night through interviews with survivors, first responders and health experts. 

If you appreciate in-depth reporting on topics such as this, please consider becoming a subscriber to show your commitment to local journalism.

Thank you for your support.

Kind regards,

Harold Munro
Editor-in-Chief
Vancouver Sun | The Province