Joyce Horner, a local historian, expressed her devastation regarding the cemetery's condition, emphasizing its historical and emotional significance by stating, "This is part of Richmond Hill's heritage. These are all my friends and neighbours buried here." Her comments reflect a broader sentiment within the community about the respect owed to their heritage.
Coun. Karen Cilevitz voiced her horror at the situation, underlining the importance of heritage preservation and the regulations protecting such sites. She described the construction at the Orthodox Church of the Nativity as deeply concerning, recognizing its implications for the community and local history.
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario is investigating issues at the cemetery, with their communications director acknowledging that "there are issues with the cemetery's condition that we are investigating," indicating there are potentially serious violations or deteriorating conditions at the site.
The historic cemetery's designation under the Ontario Heritage Act means significant alterations without permission could lead to severe penalties, including fines up to $1 million, showcasing the protective measures in place for preserving such culturally important sites.
#heritage-preservation #cemetery-conditions #community-concerns #investigations #ontario-heritage-act
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