Calgary’s Chinese Cemetery Restored: A Vital Link to History

UPDATE: The restoration of Calgary’s historic Erlton Chinese Cemetery has just been completed, preserving a crucial chapter of the city’s past. This revitalization project, launched in June 2024 and finalized in August 2024, reinforces the burial sites of pioneers who played a significant role in building Calgary and Western Canada.

Located on a hill with sweeping views of downtown Calgary, the cemetery was in dire need of repair. Over the course of the project, a total of 343 monuments were meticulously restored, with 177 monuments reset on a sustainable MonuGrid soil foundation, a low-carbon alternative. This effort was guided by a Feng Shui master to ensure cultural traditions were respected during the restoration.

Volunteers came together to restore the cemetery’s lawns using eco-friendly treatments, marking an emotional journey for the participants. “This project was deeply meaningful for our team,” said Jeff Sieben, the city’s cemeteries operations foreman. “Seeing these fragile monuments carefully restored and reset, while working alongside community volunteers who treated each stone with such respect, was a memorable experience I’m proud to have been a part of.”

The Erlton Chinese Cemetery dates back to 1908, established during a time when Chinese immigrants were excluded from other burial sites due to discriminatory laws. Many of those buried here were railway workers, miners, and laborers who contributed to the growth of Calgary but were denied proper memorials. The city took ownership of the cemetery in 1935, and significant historical events, including the excavation of 39 bodies for the LRT red line in 1980, have shaped its narrative.

According to the City of Calgary, there are currently 1,048 burials within the cemetery’s 1.4 hectares, which also features a pagoda with an oven used for ceremonial offerings. The restoration not only honors the deceased but also acknowledges the struggles faced by those who were marginalized in their time.

Calgary city officials emphasized the importance of this project in recognizing the historical challenges faced by the Chinese-Canadian community. “Revitalizing the cemetery pays respect to those buried there and highlights the discrimination they endured,” stated a city councillor involved in the initiative.

As the city celebrates this significant milestone, the restored cemetery stands as a lasting tribute to the resilience and contributions of Calgary’s early Chinese community. This project has not only restored physical monuments but has also rejuvenated the collective memory of a vital part of Calgary’s diverse history.

For those interested in visiting, the cemetery remains a living testament to the city’s heritage, inviting reflection and remembrance of the pioneers who helped shape the region. Stay tuned for more updates on community events and educational opportunities related to this historic site.