Vandals strike at historic cemetery

Police were investigating Tuesday after someone toppled about 50 monuments at a historic south Edmonton cemetery.

The vandalism happened overnight Monday at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 5420 106 St., said Suzzette Mellado, a communications adviser at the city.

Total damage was estimated at $20,000.

The city has recorded other incidents of vandalism at its cemeteries, but never so extensive, Mellado said.

A report was made to the Edmonton Police Service, she said.

“In the past, it’s been little things, like maybe a damaged vase, which is easily replaceable,” she said. “Never damage to this many tombstones at the same time.”

According to the city’s website, Mount Pleasant Cemetery is on one of the highest points in the city, with views of the south side and downtown.

The first burials there occurred “well before” the start of the 20th century, making it one of the city ’s oldest cemeteries.

“There are a lot of prominent members of the community who throughout the years have been buried there,” Mellado said. “So it really holds a special place for a lot of people.”

City crews were working to right the toppled monuments with cranes Tuesday.

After that, the city will review how to pay for any repairs, Mellado said.

The city has two other heritage cemeteries: Beechmount Cemetery near Yellowhead Trail and Edmonton Cemetery, the city’s oldest.