We were thrilled to attend the Pioneer Cemetery grand re-opening ceremony this week hosted by the City of Whitehorse.

The cemetery has been revitalized with the re-leveling and cleaning of more than 200 headstones, recognition of unmarked graves, a new perimeter loop path, and a new main entrance plaza including interpretive panels, ornamental fencing and entry arch, designed by LEES+Associates and our partners at Inukshuk Planning.

It is gratifying to see community members using the walking paths, and reconnecting with the stories and heritage embedded in the site. The cemetery has been transformed into a welcoming place of remembrance and important community open space for downtown residents and visitors. If you visit the site, be sure to check out the interpretive panels and look out for the graves of many Yukon pioneers, including Martha Louise Black, the second woman to serve as MP in Canada.

Congrats to the City of Whitehorse and everyone involved in the project! Here are some photos from the ceremony.