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REPORT RAPPORT |
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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE: |
18 October 2011 |
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TO/DEST: |
Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
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FROM/EXP: |
Acting Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
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SUBJECT/OBJET: |
THE OTTAWA POLICE MEMORIAL CEMETERY |
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for
information.
In October 2004, the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation officially dedicated what is known today as the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery. This Cemetery is open to retired and current members of the RCMP, civilian members and special constables, as well as civil servants who have 20 years or more of uninterrupted service with the RCMP.
In December 2009, the RCMP contacted Chief Vern White to enquire if the Ottawa Police Service would be interested in a plot of land at the Beechwood Cemetery for the purposes of developing an Ottawa Police cemetery. This gracious offer was accepted, and work began on the feasibility of developing the Ottawa Police Memorial Cemetery. The proposed site is located beside the current RCMP Cemetery.
Beechwood Cemetery was established in 1873 and is designated as a national historic site (one of only four such designations of cemeteries). It is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Canada, covering more than 65 hectares in central Ottawa. The Parliament Buildings are clearly visible from the high ground of the cemetery. Beechwood offers fully bilingual service, and is also the largest non-denominational cemetery in the region. Since 2003, the cemetery has been incorporated as the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation and is a registered charity. In addition to being home to the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery, Beechwood houses the National Military Cemetery of Canada and is the resting place of many national and local prominent Canadians.
Having an Ottawa Police Memorial Cemetery is a way to honour Ottawa Police members who have served their community and are now at rest. It can be a local focal point for a respectful and grateful community to honour those who maintained commitment to policing in the nation’s capital.
Over the last 20 months, with the cooperation of the Ottawa Police Association and the Ottawa Police Senior Officers’ Association, a survey was conducted with our sworn and civilian members (current and retired). The survey results were overwhelming in support of developing our own cemetery, with an approval rating of 89% from current members and 80% from retired members that responded.
In August 2011, the Ottawa Police Association and the Ottawa Police Senior Officers’ Association agreed in principle to develop the cemetery. Through consultations with members of the Ottawa Police Executive Team, Beechwood Cemetery and both Associations, a site plan was designed and developed.
In early October of 2011, a formal agreement was signed between the two Associations and Beechwood Cemetery for the development of the site. The cemetery will be available to all current and retired sworn and civilian members. The Chief’s Office will continue to be involved in the development plans.
The cemetery site to be developed will accommodate the needs of the Ottawa Police Service over the next 50 years (more land available if required). The plan calls for the development of the site over the next three years.
CONSULTATION
Not applicable.
The site will be developed in four phases, with a budget established at $350,000. All funds required to develop and operate the cemetery will be raised privately and jointly by the Ottawa Police Association and the Ottawa Police Senior Officers’ Association. The project will not require funding from the OPS budget.
The phrase “Pride, Professionalism and Respect” exemplifies the very foundation of the Ottawa Police Service. It also reflects the outstanding work that all of our members — both present and retired — demonstrate on a daily basis. There is no better way to honour them for their contributions than with a dedicated cemetery in recognition of their commitment to the citizens of Ottawa.
(Original signed by)
Charles Bordeleau
Acting Chief of Police
