It has been another busy six months and we are excited to share the latest updates with you. The Board has decided to only distribute the newsletter by email. It can always be found on our website and our Facebook page.
Annual General Meeting:
As a registered charitable organization, we are required to have an Annual General Meeting where our Rights Holders and the general public may attend to learn about the past year’s events. This year’s meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cemetery’s office. We encourage our Rights Holders and all interested individuals to attend. Please consider becoming a Board Member.
Departing Directors:
We have received notification of the resignation of two Directors - Burton Sine and Ron Hansey. We extend our thanks for more than ten years of service; by each of them, to Elmwood. We look forward to seeing them at future special events.
New Columbaria:
Two 48-unit columbaria were installed last November increasing inventory levels and options for niches.
Engraving on niche wall by front gate:
We have ordered a dove and a short verse to be engraved into the niche wall at the entry to columbaria near the front gate. This will greatly enhance the area.
By-laws:
A copy of our By-laws is provided when a Contract for Services is signed. They are also available on our website: www.elmwoodcemetery.ca under the tab ‘About Us’. Attention should be paid to Section G: Memorialization. No items made in whole or part of glass, plastic, metal or crockery are permitted on graves or monuments. Some bushes in poor condition and others that exceeded height resctriction have been removed. More work will continue this summer.
Windstorms, Saddle Flower and Decorations:
Many saddle flowers are blown off headstones, making it challenging for staff to return them to their rightful locations. To assist with reattachments, we recommend writing the family name on the bottom of the saddle block. Dismounted flowers in good condition are placed in the wooden box to the right of the cemetery office. We kindly remind Rights Holders to remove any decorations that are not in good taste and to check on the freshness of flowers and plants. If you are unable to, please let us know.
VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS
Elmwood Cemetery thrives thanks to our incredible volunteers. Their time, dedication, and talents make a meaningful difference in preserving and enhancing our grounds. If you are interested in assisting around the cemetery, please contact us – we would truly appreciate your support.
Please consider including Elmwood Cemetery in your will and in your obituary for those who wish to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers. Every donation helps us maintain a beautiful and respectful space for generations to come.
Memorial Gift Fund:
Six trees were removed due to age and condition. Trees need to be replaced as they are removed but it can’t be assured that it will occur in an area near your family lot(s). There are no plans, for the next year, to install memorial benches or plant memorial trees. There are 31 benches distributed throughout the cemetery. There are no additional areas that can be used for benches that wouldn’t affect the lawn maintenance process. Donations can still be made to this fund for inclusion in future memorial initiatives.
Water Lines:
The water lines and taps were turned on May 6th. Last fall, we extended the water lines and connected taps to improve water access into the rear of both Sections J and M.
Paving and sweeping of roadways:
The heavy snow and fluctuating temperatures this past winter left us with many pot holes on the two interior main roads and a significant dusting of sand and gravel. We are evaluating quotes to resurface and repair the road ways. We have also ordered a visit from a street sweeper to clean the roadways.
Floral Baskets and Shepherd’s Hooks:
You are encouraged to discard planter baskets beside the garbage drums rather than in them. Every effort is made to recycle the re-usable plastic from the planter pots. If a Shepherd’s Hook (used to hang a floral basket) is missing from your family member’s gravesite, it may have been moved to the northside wall of the garage behind the office building. These hooks are routinely removed when they fall over or remain unused for an extended period.
Monument Cleaning:
If you would like to have your family’s monument power-washed this spring or summer, please notify the office at 613-962-4652. A donation in the amount of your choosing, for each monument to be cleaned, would be greatly appreciated. ($50 per monument is a suggested as an appropriate amount.) A charitable gift receipt may be provided upon request.
Nature Trails:
This is a reminder that our nature trails are open year-round for your enjoyment! Visitors to Elmwood must keep their dogs on a leash until they reach the nature trails, which are considered off-leash areas. Users of the trails are reminded to place their doggie-doo bags in the garbage bins near the entrance to the trail’s parking lot.
Softball Sponsorship:
Elmwood Cemetery is pleased to sponsor a Belleville Minor Softball Under-10 team once again this year. Schedules will be available at the office for pick-up, if you are interested in attending!
The Board of Directors wishes for you to enjoy a healthy and safe spring and summer. We welcome your questions and feedback. Please reach out to us by phone at: 613-962-4652 or by email to: info@elmwoodcemetery.ca.
Respectfully. Your Elmwood Cemetery Board & Staff