Starting today, May 1, the City of Wrenford is launching a free headstone repair program to fix cracked, tilted, and damaged markers at Wrenford Cemetery. The project runs through the fall and is managed by the Roads & Winter Maintenance team in partnership with the cemetery office.
Wrenford Cemetery has been serving the community since 1913, and many of the older markers show signs of weathering. This year's program will focus on restoring stability and safety for families who visit the grounds. Crews will work on markers that have cracked, sunk, or leaned too far forward, which can make reading inscriptions difficult or create a tripping hazard.
"Cemeteries hold a special place in our city's history, and we want to make sure the grounds remain safe and respectful for everyone," said James Whitford, Roads Superintendent. "We are using the same stabilization techniques we apply to retaining walls and pathways, so these repairs are built to last through Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles."
Residents can request a repair by calling the cemetery office at 519-555-0127 or filling out the online service request form. A groundskeeper will visit each site to assess the damage and provide a timeline. The work is completely free for property owners. If a headstone needs more extensive restoration, the City will provide a list of approved stonemasons who specialize in historic markers.
Work will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Crews may need to close small sections of the cemetery pathways temporarily while concrete sets or anchors are placed. Families are asked to keep pets on a leash and give the crews plenty of room while they work.
For more information about the program, contact the cemetery office directly. You can also find updates on other City of Wrenford construction projects and infrastructure work on the Roads & Winter Maintenance page.