More than a hundred people including family, friends and members of the community were on hand for the memorial.
Makalay’s mom served up pieces from a birthday cake with the words “Happy 18th Birthday Makayla. Always remembered, forever loved, never forgotten” written in pink icing.
“She’d want us to be here, its her birthday,” said friend Amber Crossen.
“Last year we did her birthday, it will continue to happen until he end of time I guess.”
A slide show featured photos of a smiling Makayla with her family and friends.
Chang was last seen in March of 2016 in Nanaimo, her body was discovered in May.
No one has been charged in connection with her murder but RCMP say the investigation remains a top priority.
“i think its important to pay our respects and to always remember,” said Natalie Fenton holding her young daughter Mila.
“Hopefully one day the family will find a conclusion as to why this happened, how this happened, and there can be a little peace for everyone.”
