Happy Halloween! Please let me present to you one of the most spooky urbanism concepts - the rejuvenation of your city’s cemeteries. From coast to coast, our urban cemeteries could become multi-purposed and make positive impacts on our physical and social environment, besides accommodating for those resting in peace.
- They are valuable public open spaces Unlike Chinese cultures, I find Canadians are more accepting of living near a graveyard. However, it is uncommon in Canada to designate public cemeteries as parks for recreational and social activities, as seem in many European cities. As urban population booms, public open spaces become a scarce commodity. Our cemeteries in the urban center would offer an oasis for those who seek refuge from bustling lives. People can come to a cemetery to read, have lunch and hang out with friends, as in any other parks.
Family strolling around in the Ross Bay Cemetery (Victoria, BC)
- They provide AAA corridors for active commuters Many heritage cemeteries used to be built at the fringe of a city. As the city grows, these cemeteries are encircled by blocks of residential and commercial developments. When the cemeteries are fenced off and their accesses are restricted by public use, they form barriers for people who walk and ride. If they are open to the public (even at selected times like a park) and provide multiple entrance points, the internal pathways in the cemetery have the potential to make effective corridors for commuters in active modes, as evidenced in the city of Halifax. These active corridors are tree-lined, traffic free and peaceful. Easily it is considered for all ages and abilities.
The main pathway in Fairmview Lawn Cemetery makes Halifax's local active transportation network more direct and attractive
The cemetery pathway network in Dartmouth, NS is a conduit to connect local residents to the transit and commercial hub
A traffic calmed corridor for active transportation through a cemetery in Halifax
Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria offers a public washroom and multi-use trail network in its open space
- They present heritage significance Public cemeteries are designed to be visited. The Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris draws more than 3.5 million visitors every year to pay respect to those notable figures buried and appreciate their elaborate tomb monuments. When visiting the Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Halifax, NS, I was reminded of the sinking Titanic by over 100 of named and unnamed grave stones. When wandering in the Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria, BC, I was saddened by the Canadian Japanese grave cluster that was once vandalized during WWII. The stories of those buried, whether famous or now, provide profound insights on local historical events. The cemetery is a library for us to recognize ourselves and learn about our communities.
One of the many Titanic cemeteries in Halifax
What does your local cemetery look like? Is it multi-functional and able to enrich your life? Please share your thoughts.
