Lasalle Cemetery faces widespread tilting and fallen monuments

A city report found about 75% of monuments at Lasalle Cemetery need attention, and staff say limited trust-fund interest and safety concerns keep the municipality from taking on large-scale repairs; the report estimates nearly $9 million would be needed to fix all monuments over five years.

Bianca Forestell cares for more than 60 family plots at Lasalle Cemetery and has noticed many headstones that are tilted, tipped or lying flat as the ground shifts. A city report presented in January found roughly 75% of monuments at the cemetery need some level of attention. The cemetery opened in the 1950s and now contains over 10,000 gravestones. City staff say the clay-rich soil and seasonal freeze–thaw cycles cause ground heave that contributes to the problem. Key facts: - The city report estimates nearly $9 million would be needed to repair all monuments at Lasalle over five years. - Cemetery maintenance funding comes from a trust funded by lot-purchase fees; staff can spend only the interest earned, and about $53,000 of that interest is allocated annually to monument repairs across 25 cemeteries. - Staff advise that individuals who hold internment rights are officially responsible for monument repairs, though families are sometimes untraceable or unwilling to pay. - To address foundations of 1,000 historical monuments where rights holders cannot be contacted, staff estimated $235,000 per year plus a one-time $110,000 equipment purchase. - City staff cited safety and training concerns as reasons volunteers should not perform heavy monument work, noting granite monuments are heavy and require proper equipment and PPE. - Councillor Mike Parent and Councillor Al Sizer plan to meet with the cemetery manager, Ray Ingriselli, in the spring to discuss possible ideas; meanwhile the city continues to address problems as funding allows. Summary: The condition of many monuments at Lasalle affects families and presents a sustained maintenance challenge for the municipality. Staff do not recommend the city assume full responsibility for all repairs and say funding and safety constraints limit what can be done now. Councillors plan further discussions with cemetery staff in the spring to explore options. Undetermined at this time.