More than 6,000 people are expected to attend a public funeral for Const. Jennifer Kovach.

Kovach, 26, was killed last week when her cruiser crossed over to the wrong side of the road and crashed into a Guelph Transit bus.

Her funeral will be held at the Sleeman Centre in downtown Guelph, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

Guelph Police Chief Bryan Larkin says he sees the arena as a good place to hold the funeral.

“We hope to turn a city facility into a place of celebration and a place of sanctuary,” he told reporters during a Monday morning news conference.

Officials expect the 6,000-seat facility to be filled to capacity, which is why the River Run Centre across the street has been set up as an overflow seating location.

The ceremony will begin with a procession from police headquarters on Wyndham Street to the arena, during which Kovach’s casket will be accompanied by a chief’s honour guard of eight officers.

An outpouring of community support for the Kovach family has meant a lot to the family, Larkin told reporters.

“They are certainly feeling the care and compassion of the community,” he said.

Police continue to investigate what caused the fatal crash. Larkin says the investigation isn’t expected to be wrapped up anytime soon.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday.