Shocking Major Vandalism in Ross Bay Cemetery

At our tour on Sunday, June 22, we noticed two grave markers that were pushed over in the old Catholic section (Block C) on the south side of the cemetery.

On checking with the City of Victoria, we were horrified to learn that City workers had identified 12 damaged markers in total in this one spate of destruction. Most were in Block U (the newer Catholic section), along the east side of the cemetery. Almost all involved grave markers with crosses — some were pushed over and others were smashed beyond repair. The City has filed a police report and notified the Catholic Diocese about the damage to graves within the two Catholic sections.

Our intrepid project manager Wilf Bruch has already surveyed the damage, and along with volunteer Gregory Ciupka and others, has begun the task of repairing what we can. In some cases, we may have to contract monument companies to do the work. Wilf will be talking with the City’s onsite supervisor this week about any help the City may be able to provide. Donations would be welcome to help with the cost of these repairs: via e-transfer to oldcemvictoria@gmail.com; cheque mailed to PO Box 50004, RPO Fairfield Plaza, Victoria BC V8S 5L8; or cash dropped off at any of our tours.