COURTENAY - The author of a new book on roadside memorials says British Columbia has more than it's share of street-side shrines and predicts that number will continue to grow.  Dr. John Belshaw co-authored the book "Private Grief, Public Mourning" along with his wife Diane Purvey.

The two traveled throughout British Columbia to discover a variety of roadside tributes to deceased loved ones. Belshaw says they are becoming more popular because more people are choosing cremation over burials. 

Belshaw notes that during their research, the two found high concentrations of memorials in the Nanaimo and mid-island areas as well as in the Skeena Valley.  Belshaw says that's partly because road conditions are particularly bad in those places.

Further information on the book is available through it's publisher's website:  www.anvilpress.com