Posts circulating on social media, showing damaged or fallen headstones and anchored vases at Peace River’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery have been addressed by the Town of Peace River.
The damage was reported to the town, and information being shared on social media indicated the grave markers have been recently damaged intentionally. The town reviewed the information and physically looked in the cemetery and found the damages are consistent with natural wear and tear that occurs over time.
Autumn Hulme with the Town of Peace River says fingers were being pointed at the grounds keeping crews for the damage, but denies the allegations. “We have an incredible relationship with the crew, they take the upmost care, are extremely cautious and careful and understand maintaining the grounds in a cemetery comes with heavy responsibility.” Hulme says the town has been impressed with the quality of the grounds maintenance for the five years the crew has been working there.
The damages to the headstones and anchored vases Hulme says does match with regular exposure to the elements. “We recommend people check up on the status of the markers if it’s been several years… because over time stuff can get damaged.” Hulme says with the extreme weather our region gets, headstones may crack and the ground can settle over time causing headstones to fall over.
The possibility of vandalism isn’t out of the picture, but Hulme says the town isn’t seeing an uptick in vandalism lately. “We keep the vehicle gates shut to prevent off-highway vehicles and ATV’s from coming into the grounds.” Hulme says there’s always a risk of vandalism no matter what measures are in place.
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
