National Holocaust Monument to stay open all winter

Heritage Minister Mlanie Jolytoday announced the National Holocaust Monument will remain open throughout the winter, responding to concernsthat snowy days couldforceits closure.

• Snowy days could force closure of new National Holocaust Monument

In a tweet, Joly said the decision means Canadians will be able to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and honour its survivors.

In the tweet, Joly did not explain what the plans are for clearing the snow.

Conservative Sen. Linda Frumraised the issue with Joly'soffice last month, after being told there were no plans for snow to be cleared from the grounds and walkways of the outdoor monument this winter.

At the time, Jolyresponded that any discussions about the Holocaust memorial were held when the Conservatives were in power, but addedthat the National Capital Commission would look into the issue.

Sen. Frumtoday tweeted her thanks tothe heritage minister andYork Centre MP MichaelLevitt for responding to the concerns raised by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

There isno roof on the six concrete triangles that make up the structure. When the monument was officially opened in September, 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 alsogenerated controversy for failing to identify Jews as main victims of the Holocaust on the commemorative plaque, whichis now being rewritten.