Picton’s historic City of the Dead is celebrating its 150th year. A brief ceremony inside Glenwood Chapel at the 63-acre, independent and non-denominational cemetery marked the occasion earlier this month.

Mayor Steve Ferguson offered a proclamation on behalf of the County of Prince Edward.

Glenwood’s Board of Directors has initiated a number of beautifying initiatives. Chair Sandy Latchford noted work recently completed within the grounds enhances both their beauty and accessibility.

“We’ve been able to renovate our columbarium to allow greater access to those who might be in wheelchairs and walkers. Pathways are now much larger and easier to traverse, and we’ve added and will be adding new benches for folks who want to sit in shaded areas,” said Ms. Latchford.

While Glenwood is a historic pillar of the County, it is not unchanged from its founding in 1873.

It was originally 120 acres, for example. Local leaders, fearing another pandemic after the 1833 outbreak of Cholera across Upper and Lower Canada and New York state, wanted lots of space.

“The town fathers realized the church cemeteries were filling up to capacity and they were concerned there wouldn’t be burial space once the next pandemic hit,” Ms. Latchford explained. Land has been parcelled out and sold off over the years.

The cemetery is one of only three in Ontario licensed to offer Green burials. Natural burial places a body as naturally as possible in the earth. There is no embalming. The casket or shroud is biodegradable, and there is no vault, so decomposition can occur. Above ground, land is restored to its natural habitat. Individual tombstones are replaced with a communal marker. 

“It’s very popular for folks without a connection to Prince Edward County but who wish to commit their remains in this manner. Folks remark that the treed area to the south resembles Algonquin Park. They come from Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. It’s really beautiful and our most popular burial option right now,” Ms Latchford added.

The cemetery is also now licensed for pet burials. Remains must have been cremated.

A devastating act of vandalism saw over 100 grave markers toppled in 2018. The cemetery has almost recovered; just 21 markers are left to be re-affixed to their cement bases.

“What remains are our larger stones on the steepest areas. Those projects require really dry conditions and the availability of the monument company to bring in their heavy cranes and equipment,” Ms. Latchford said. “We just couldn’t line up the dates and the weather conditions this year, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The cemetery will cap off 2023 with a free holiday movie for the entire community. A Christmas Story plays at The Regent December 17 at 2 p.m.