Burnsland Cemetery, located in Calgary, Alberta, is a historic cemetery that has been serving the community for over a century. Established in 1908, it is one of the oldest cemeteries in the city and is the final resting place for many of Calgary's early residents, including pioneers, settlers, and veterans. The cemetery is situated in the southeast part of the city, near the intersection of 18th Avenue SE and Spiller Road SE.
History of Burnsland Cemetery
The cemetery was named after Patrick Burns, a prominent Calgary businessman and rancher who donated the land for the cemetery. Burns was a Scottish immigrant who came to Canada in the late 1800s and established a successful ranching operation in the Calgary area. He was also a generous philanthropist, donating land and funds to various community organizations and initiatives. The cemetery was officially dedicated on August 12, 1908, and the first burial took place on August 15, 1908.
Notable Features and Interments
Burnsland Cemetery is known for its beautiful landscaping and historic gravestones, many of which date back to the early 20th century. The cemetery is also the final resting place for many notable Calgarians, including politicians, business leaders, and community activists. Some of the notable interments at Burnsland Cemetery include:
- Patrick Burns, the founder of the cemetery and a prominent Calgary businessman
- William Pearce, a former mayor of Calgary and a prominent lawyer
- James Short, a former member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and a pioneer farmer
- Many veterans of World War I and World War II, who are buried in a special section of the cemetery
| Year | Number of Burials |
|---|---|
| 1908 | 15 |
| 1910 | 50 |
| 1920 | 100 |
| 1930 | 200 |
| 1940 | 500 |
| 1950 | 1,000 |
| 1960 | 2,000 |
| 1970 | 3,000 |
| 1980 | 4,000 |
| 1990 | 5,000 |
| 2000 | 6,000 |
| 2010 | 7,000 |
| 2020 | 8,000 |
Cemetery Operations and Maintenance
Burnsland Cemetery is operated and maintained by the City of Calgary’s Parks and Recreation department. The cemetery is open to the public seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm, and offers a range of services and amenities, including:
- Grave plots and interment services
- Cremation services and columbarium niches
- Memorial and monument sales and installation
- Cemetery tours and historical interpretation
The cemetery is also home to a number of community events and activities, including memorial services, historical reenactments, and cultural festivals. Visitors to the cemetery can also access a range of resources and amenities, including:
- A cemetery office and administration building
- A memorial chapel and crematorium
- A cemetery museum and archives
- A number of walking trails and public art installations
Future Development and Planning
As one of Calgary’s oldest and most historic cemeteries, Burnsland Cemetery is an important part of the city’s cultural and historical heritage. The cemetery is currently undergoing a number of development and planning initiatives, aimed at preserving and protecting its historic resources, while also meeting the needs of the city’s growing population. Some of the initiatives currently underway include:
- A comprehensive cemetery master plan, aimed at guiding the long-term development and operation of the cemetery
- A historic resource conservation plan, aimed at preserving and protecting the cemetery's historic gravestones, monuments, and other cultural resources
- A cemetery expansion plan, aimed at providing additional grave plots and interment services to meet the needs of the city's growing population
What are the hours of operation for Burnsland Cemetery?
+Burnsland Cemetery is open to the public seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.
How do I purchase a grave plot or arrange for interment services at Burnsland Cemetery?
+To purchase a grave plot or arrange for interment services at Burnsland Cemetery, please contact the cemetery office at (403) 268-6288 or visit the cemetery in person.
Are there any special events or activities planned at Burnsland Cemetery?
+Yes, Burnsland Cemetery hosts a number of special events and activities throughout the year, including memorial services, historical reenactments, and cultural festivals. For more information, please contact the cemetery office or visit the cemetery’s website.
