In some ways, the general manager of Woodlawn Memorial Park believes the cemetery has been truly discovered by residents during the pandemic.
“There are more walkers now, and I think, not only that, but the walkers that are now using it are starting to appreciate it,” said Paul Taylor, who has worked at Woodlawn cemetery for 44 years, “They’re starting to see the beauty in a property that’s over 165-years-old.”
The 80-acre property holds 36,000 burials and around 10,000 memorials. The cemetery was moved to the corner of Woodlawn Rd W. and Woolwich Street following a bylaw banning human burials within city limits in 1853.
During the first wave of the pandemic, a lack of open places resulted in more people visiting cemeteries. Some cemeteries had to lock their gates as sites were becoming too crowded.
“We weren’t surrounded by a lot of condos where people were looking for the places to walk,” said Taylor, “Our four kilometres of roads can handle the walkers that we are getting.”
Along with more walkers, Taylor said Woodlawn cemetery is seeing more cyclists and drivers as well. He cites great roadways within the cemetery which allow all methods of transportation.
“Walkers share the roads with drivers and cyclists,” he said, “and all we ask is everyone to be respectful.”
Besides these roadways, another big draw for people to the cemetery is the nature and artwork for memorials, including a lion statue dedicated to WWI soldiers from St. George’s Anglican Church.
“What else is bringing them in are the natural trees. Because we have lots of trees along the edge of the road, we have lots of shade, so it’s not like you’re walking into an open area where it’s very, very sunny and very hot ... they find they’re not overheating by walking four kilometres.”
While visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, Taylor notes public health measures are in place within the cemetery, including social distancing and limiting gatherings with other households.
“We are very strict with COVID, because we’re in that business we understand what happens when COVID hits a family and loss of a loved one through COVID, ” he said.
With the number of visitors to Woodlawn cemetery increasing, the number of donations has also gone up.
“We also have people donate in other ways too,” said Taylor. “People see a need that Woodlawn needs and they take care of it, quite often it’s a financial need, or it’s a physical labour need.”
There was a point in time where people were afraid of cemeteries due to their depictions in Hollywood and scary movies, said Taylor.
At one point, he mentions the cemetery ran a campaign to highlight all the positive aspects it had to offer to the community.
“We try to have people come into the cemetery because a hundred years ago, they would come to the cemetery in the afternoon for a picnic lunch,” said Taylor.
“We’ve been trying for many years to get people to see the beauty of the cemetery, the pandemic has...blossomed it or grown it quite a bit, because people are realizing, and the word has gotten out, that this is a beautiful place.”
As people continue to seek out Woodlawn cemetery, Taylor hopes the property continues to be a place where residents can explore and connect with the city’s history.
“I hope it never gets lost,” he said, “I hope people know it’s a place they can always come to relax and walk with a friend or family member.”
