Current Issues
New Project - The Old Cemeteries Society has embarked on a new project!
Ross Bay Row Marker Project - see example
As of December 2009, Ross Bay Cemetery has no physical markers to show the location of sections, rows and plot numbers. We have a very good, detailed map but no good way of locating a particular row or plot. Right now we have to find plots by comparing the map with features on the ground and then counting to the desired location. Once there we must cross reference to adjacent markers to ensure accuracy. This takes a lot of time and is not always totally correct.
Our new project will place markers in three bands running East and West across the cemetery. Each marker will show the section, row and plot number for that particular location. This will allow everyone to easily and accurately find specific grave locations.
You can help!
Each marker will cost $25 to engrave - the material has been generously donated by Colonial Countertops. Your donations labelled “Row Marker Project” will go directly to this project and you will receive a charitable donation receipt and a letter identifying the location of your donated marker(s).
Please help us mark Ross Bay Cemetery today by mailing your cheque (made out to OCS) to: OCS, Box 50004, #15-1594 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC V8S 1G1
Dec 5, 2009 - Another path of destruction!
On Friday morning almost 50 headstones were found damaged at Ross Bay
Cemetery. Representatives from the Old Cemeteries Society executive attended
the scene of the crime on Saturday morning to list and photograph the
damage.
We have attached a few pictures of some damaged markers. The swath
seems to have started at the south east corner at St Charles Lane and ended
by the washrooms at Memorial Crescent.
The City Parks Dept. was very quick
to address the problem by reporting the vandalism to Police and authorizing
Mortimer's Monumental Works to start work immediately. 23 monuments were
repaired immediately and the remaining will be attended to on Monday
December 7, 2009. We will be notifying any descendants we have in our
records. Another senseless act of cowardice.
Read the Times Colonist Article
Aug 2009 Recent Vandalism at Ross Bay Cemetery -
- CTV News
April 2009 - Thanks to a grant from the BC150-Heritage Legacy Fund, our new page
about
The Old Burying Ground (Pioneer Square) is up and running.
We have brought together, in one easy to navigate web page, an incredible amount of information on Victoria's second cemetery. You can search the following topics: Burial Database , Walking Tour, History, Naval Corner, Photo Gallery, Activities and Reports.
Please try it out and let us know what you think.
Old Cemeteries Society Website wins the 2007 BC Historical Federation Website Contest
Roster of the 'Fifty-Eighters' in BC
New publication by the Old Cemeteries Society. Copyright 2008.
OCS Members - $5.00 and non-members - $7.00.
Add $1.50 for Canadian mailing, or $2 for US mailing.
Available at: OCS Tours, Munro’s Books, Fairfield Plaza Drugstore and Bolen Books
To Order: With Membership Application
By Phone: 250-598-8870
By Email: Please add OCS, Old Cem or Old Cemeteries Society to the Subject line.
Other OCS Publications
OCS Acknowledges the Rotary Club of Victoria
"Thank You to the Rotary Club of Victoria for their grant in support of
the Old Cemeteries Society. The money received will go towards a new
filing system for our Obituaries collection."
Education - The Old Cemeteries Society will provide Guest Speakers on a variety of topics related to the society and its activities. Please call 598-8870 to discuss and/or book a speaker or leave a message on our voice mail. Our office coordinator will contact you as soon as possible. Or
Email: Please add OCS, Oldcem or Old Cemeteries Society to the subject line.
Ross Bay Villa -
TLC - The Land Conservancy
Hallmark Society
Future plans for the Ross Bay Villa include leasing space in the building to the Heritage Buildings Foundation of the Hallmark Society and to the Old Cemeteries Society.
Vandalism - has been a problem in RBC throughout its existence.
Read more about cemetery vandalism
City of Victoria - Parks Division - Cemeteries
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