Standing up (for) Commonwealth War Graves in Nanaimo

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A pair of cemetery related items were on the council agenda this week in Nanaimo. When Kevin Hills wrote a term paper on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as part of a military history course, he learned that war graves in Nanaimo had been laid flat in the 1960s in a move to make maintenance easier. This week, his action led city council to amend its cemetary bylaw to allow that the graves be put upright at a future date. Hills spoke with Midcoast Morning about his efforts.

At the same time, the city updated its fee structure around cemeteries, which are nearing capacity. Acting Manager of cemeteries David Thompson provided more information about the state of cemeteries in the harbour city.

Transcript:

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Guests:

  • Kevin Hills - Nanaimo resident, amateur historian

  • Catherine Paterson - Regional Manager, Canada and the Americas, Commonwealth War Graves Commission

  • David Thompson -Manager Roads and Traffic, Acting Manager, Cemeteries, City of Nanaimo

Program Team:

  • Joe Pugh — Host and Producer.

  • Jesse Woodward — Executive Producer.

  • Arbie Fru — Technical Assistance.

Theme Music:

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Joe Pugh