Leave Your Condolences for Mandela at City Hall

PM Harper signs the condolence book in Ottawa. Courtesy of Canoe

As world leaders gather in South Africa to eulogize Nelson Mandela, local mourners can leave their thoughts and prayers in a condolence book that now currently sits in the foyer at City Hall. 

In a press release sent out today, the city invites members of the public to come down to 1 Carden Street, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm, from now until Saturday December 21, to sign a book of condolence for Nelson Mandela. After that, the book will be sent to the South African High Commission in Ottawa on behalf of the people of the City of Guelph as an expression of their collective grief.

“I am grateful that a community member approached me to ask that a book of condolence be offered,” said Mayor Karen Farbridge in the release. “This is a way for the people of our community to remember and honour Nelson Mandela’s remarkable achievements.”

Sharp-eyed townies will also note that the flag in front of City Hall has been lowered to half-mast out of respect for Mandela, and will remain that way until December 16, the day following Mandela's funeral.