An ambitious and highly successful project was undertaken in 2015 to revitalize the Bank Street Cemetery.
Originally opened in the 1890’s, the cemetery was showing its age. Thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of Irving and Ethel Taylor z”l, a campaign to raise the funds required was initiated, led by Irving and Ethel’s son Brent. Under the leadership of Brent, Jewish Memorial Gardens Chair Jonathan Freedman, and their campaign cabinet, the Ottawa Jewish Community rose to the challenge and the requisite funds were raised. After two summers of construction, a dedication ceremony was held on September 25, 2016, attended by several hundred community members to reveal the remodeled grounds and to honour the extreme generosity of donors, without whom this project would not have been possible.
Features of the project:
A new entrance was built, and roadways throughout the cemetery were either replaced or repaired. Roads and pathways were designed to allow Kohanim to access much of the cemetery.
A large parking lot was created inside the cemetery, eliminating the formerly unsafe parking situation along the busy highway.
A large forested area was cleared, and the lands were regraded to create over 1,000 additional burial plots.
The entire cemetery is now a fenced in area with closed circuit camera security system.
A new building, equipped with an office and handicapped accessible washrooms, was constructed. Several hand washing stations were installed.
The Holocaust Monument, erected in the 1970’s, was moved to a prominent plaza, allowing for visitors to properly reflect on those who perished at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators.
A new permanent gazebo was built, allowing for protection from sun, rain, and wind during funeral services and unveilings.
A beautiful monument was installed, honouring those brave men of the Ottawa Jewish Community who fought and lost their lives in war.
The historic archway, which served as the entrance to the cemetery over a century ago, was restored, and placed in its own reflective area in the oldest section of the cemetery.
Roads and pathways were named, attractive and functional signage was installed, tying in with a new wayfinding board and an online grave locating tool/app.
Beautiful trees, flowers, and plants were installed throughout the grounds. Benches were added throughout the cemetery to allow for comfortable reflection. A comprehensive landscaping program was implemented to ensure continued high standards going forward.
Dozens of toppled tombstones that sat neglected and in bad repair due to lack of funds were repaired and restored.
Please help us keep our cemeteries beautiful. Information about donating to our maintenance fund is on our Donors Page.
