The organization managing numerous cemeteries in the Greater Toronto Area has issued a public apology following the removal of religious items from graves at Pine Hills Cemetery in Scarborough, causing distress among families of the deceased.
Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries, the operator of Pine Hills, released the apology, announcing a halt to their article removal program.
Expressing regret for the anguish caused by the recent removal of gravesite articles, the group stated, “We understand that our actions, although based on safety concerns, have caused pain to many families and disrupted moments of remembrance.”
The organization clarified that they attempted to notify families about the item removals over the past six months. However, some family members were only informed when they arrived at the cemetery to find the items bundled, described by one individual as being treated “like trash.”
Joanna Nikiforos, speaking to CityNews, criticized the lack of respect shown to the religious items. She emphasized the significance of these items in the Greek community, serving as symbols of remembrance and spiritual connection.
While the recently implemented policy changes were aimed at ensuring the safety of all cemetery visitors, Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries admitted to shortcomings in communication, especially with faith-based and culturally diverse communities.
In response to the community’s outrage, the organization is reevaluating its operational regulations and will collaborate with families to reinstate meaningful items, such as the removed “holy houses,” starting tomorrow.