Latvian Community
Beechwood Cemetery has a rich history of more than half a century of service to Ottawa’s Latvian community and remains a place deeply connected to the preservation of Latvian heritage, faith, and remembrance in Canada’s capital. Over the decades, many Latvian Canadian families have chosen Beechwood as their place of remembrance, helping to create a lasting cultural and community presence within the cemetery grounds.
To support this enduring relationship, Beechwood reserved more than 100 lots of varying sizes within Section 51S for the exclusive use of the Latvian community. This dedicated section serves not only as a final resting place, but also as a meaningful space where traditions, language, faith, and shared history continue to be honoured across generations.
For many years, the Peace Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church held outdoor memorial services at Beechwood’s gazebo, gathering families, veterans, clergy, and community members in remembrance of loved ones and in recognition of Latvia’s cultural and spiritual traditions. These annual services became an important part of the community’s connection to Beechwood, reinforcing the cemetery’s role as both a place of reflection and a gathering space for Ottawa’s Latvian Canadians.
Today, the Latvian section at Beechwood stands as a testament to resilience, cultural continuity, and the important contributions Latvian Canadians have made to Ottawa and to Canada. Through remembrance, ceremony, and community connection, Beechwood continues to support and preserve this important legacy for future generations.