'It's never going to be over': Victims of Bruce McArthur honoured 2 years after his arrest

The homeowners of a mid-Toronto home now known for being the site where serial killer Bruce McArthurburied theremains of many of his victimsheld a memorial on Saturday to mark the second anniversary ofhis arrest.

Braving the cold, pastors and community members joined owners Karen Fraser and Ron Smithon their front lawn at 53 Mallory Cres.to honour the victims and celebrate their lives.

"It's never going to be over," Fraser told CBC Toronto Saturday. "It's just one of those things that seems to stay with people."

Two years ago today, McArthur was arrested for a string of killingsthat shocked the nation.

The remains of seven victims were found in garden planters McArthur kept at their home.He stored tools there for about a decade in exchange for landscaping.

On the same day, Fraser andSmith had to leave their home while police searched their property.

McArthur pleaded guilty last year to eight counts of first-degree murder inthe deaths of eight men between 2010 and 2017. Most of the victims, as well as McArthur himself, had deep ties to Toronto's Gay Village neighbourhood.

He will be eligible to apply for parole after at least 25 years in prison for the grisly murders and will be 91 when his first chance at parole comes up.

Special church service on Sunday

As the city's LGBTQ community continues to navigate through its shock, grief and loss, the Metropolitan Community Church is holding a special service Sunday.

"Each and every one of them had individual lives and unique stories," Jeff Rock, the church'ssenior pastor said Saturday.

"One of them liked to bake a chocolate stout cake and had a cat. Another one was a new Canadian who had come here on a ship from Sri Lanka."

Despite the tragedy, Rocksays now two years latersome good has come from the loss.

"Different communities have come together, new friendships have been made and I think we're working together to make sure this kind of a thing can never happen again."

Owner pushing for permanent memorial

Refusing to let McArthur define their home, Fraser and Smith say they held Saturday'smemorialto help others heal.

"Wedon't want the families to think that everyone has just forgotten and moved on because we're fine," Fraser said."There has to be a moment for such tragedies."

That's why she's nowworking to set up a permanent memorial in thepark acrossfrom her house. Fraser says she wants to create a place where people can honour the victims to ensure they won't be forgotten.

The city says it has beenconsulted on the idea of a permanent memorial and "discussions are ongoing."

"In this case we would undertake consultation on any permanent memorial with the victims' families, Toronto's LGBTQ2S communities, and residents," saidJane Arbour, a spokesperson with the urban forestry department.

"Our hearts are with the family and friends of those whose lives were taken and with communities that continue to grieve."