Snowy days could force closure of new National Holocaust Monument

Snowy days in the national capital could force the closure of the just opened National Holocaust Monument.

Conservative Sen. Linda Frum saidshe's been told there are no plans for snow to be cleared from the grounds and walkways of the outdoor monument this winter.

The senator has raised the issue with Heritage Minister Melanie Joly's office.

Joly said any discussions aboutthe Holocaust memorial were held when the Conservatives were inpower under Stephen Harper.

"There's no surprise now," she said, adding that the NCC is anindependent body that will be looking into the issue.

"But the reality is the National Holocaust Monument board and also the Harper government knew that[the issue of snow] would be the case."

There's no roof on the six concrete triangles that make up the structure when the monument was officially opened last month, heavy rains forced the ceremony into the Canadian War Museum across the street.

The design specifications for the monument did call for a snow melting device to be installed, but a 2015 report suggested the device was scaled back for cost reasons.

The monument has already generated controversy for failing to identify Jews as main victims of the Holocaust on the commemorative plaque, which is now being rewritten.