Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Government of Canada announced that Brookside Cemetery (3001 Notre Dame Ave.) has been designated a National Historic Site, recognizing the site for its historical significance to Canada.
More than 100,000 burials have taken place at Brookside Cemetery since 1878 and its Field of Honour is one of the largest veteran burial sites in Canada with over 10,000 military service members.
“It is fitting to announce the designation of Brookside Cemetery as a National Historic Site in advance of Remembrance Day,” said Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North and Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. “For many in this city, Brookside is the final resting place of our loved ones, and it is a location that people frequent to commemorate those who lost their lives in service during times of war. I am honoured to join the City of Winnipeg in sharing this important piece of our collective story with all Canadians.”
“As one of the largest and most important veteran burial sites in Canada, Brookside Cemetery is very deserving of the distinction of being a National Historic Site,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “The Field of Honour at Brookside Cemetery is a resting place to over 10,000 of our veterans. It has long been a respected and honoured place where we remember the sacrifices of those who have served. I would like to thank the City’s Public Service for their efforts in pursuing this designation, and encourage all Canadians to learn more about the importance of Brookside Cemetery and its Field of Honour.”
Brookside Cemetery is home to a number of prominent burial sites, including:
- Sgt. Tommy Prince — one of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous war veterans;
- Francis E. Cornish — the first Mayor of Winnipeg;
- Lt. Harry Colebourn — purchased the bear that inspired the Winnie the Pooh stories; and,
- R. B. Russell — a leader of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike Committee.
The Field of Honour at Brookside Cemetery includes several elements that make it nationally significant. The veterans’ site features a collection of upright military monuments that cannot be found on this scale anywhere else in Canada. The design is used in the largest Fields of Honour across the world to commemorate veterans of the two World Wars. Also, the Tear Drop section of the Field of Honour is the only section in a cemetery in Canada where so many war dead can be found interred together in one section.
The City’s nomination was reviewed by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, who made a recommendation to the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, who designated Brookside Cemetery as a National Historic Site.
Brookside Cemetery becomes the 24th National Historic Site recognized in Winnipeg. Other recognized sites include the Exchange District and The Forks.