Glenwood Cemetery reflects on progress to rebuild vandalized monuments

To mark the anniversary of extensive vandalism at Glenwood Cemetery in Picton, an afternoon tour and talk is being planned to update the public on the rebuilding and restoration of monuments.

Last June, more than 150 monuments were damaged, destroyed or knocked over and 63 foundations needed attention or stabilized before they were put back in place.

An inventory by Glenwood Cemetery of 175 stones and monuments in need of repairs estimated costs in the range of $200,000.  Two youth, ages 15 and 17, were charged with mischief over $5,000. They are to appear in court again in July.

As a non-profit, the cemetery’s only revenue is from the sale of graves, commissions from the sale of monuments, bequests, some from the municipality, fundraising and donations. The community and County businesses and organizations stepped up with donations and fundraisers.

Forty monuments were restored last fall and prep-work on the foundations of 24 more was completed for restoration to begin this spring. Glenwood staff are hopeful full restoration will be complete by 2020.

The public is invited to the cemetery at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23 to join in on guided walks with Gary Foster, past president of Campbell Monuments, speaking on restoration and repair; and with Terry Sprague, naturalist, speaking on the natural beauty of the cemetery. There will be musical entertainment by Samantha Hirst, and light refreshments will be provided.

For further information, visit Glenwood Cemetery’s website; call 613 476 3511 or email info@glenwoodcemetery.ca