Beechwood was created by Canadians, for Canadians, and remains a welcoming place for our families, visitors and neighbours. As a result of its beauty, historical significance and commitment to being open and accessible to all cultures and faiths, it was designated as a National Historic Site and was named the National Cemetery of Canada through an Act of Parliament.
Despite these special designations, many people are surprised to learn that Beechwood is not publicly funded. In fact, Beechwood is owned by The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation and operates on a not-for-profit basis. Established in December of 2000, and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, it is the only organization of its kind in Ottawa. In choosing Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, you can take comfort in knowing that all funds are used for the maintenance, preservation and enhancement of this National Historic Site. That’s a beautiful thing to be part of and comforting to many.
The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation was created for the purpose of safeguarding Beechwood’s future and increasing public awareness of Beechwood, as well as the important historical persons buried within it.
In addition, The Foundation fundraises annually for a number of reasons. These include the following:
- to support the free community programs, activities and events that are hosted at Beechwood;
- to produce Beechwood’s quarterly magazine, The Beechwood Way;
- to maintain the beauty of the Beechwood horticulture and trees;
- to help protect the Macoun Marsh, a unique urban wetland;
- to maintain, research and develop Beechwood’s various historical and educational materials, including the continued development of the historical profile plaques mounted throughout the cemetery (more than 60 plaques to date); and
- to support the various free self-guided and guided group tour programs, including a free self-guided tour pamphlet that can be picked up at reception or a free digital version, which can be downloaded here;
- to support the tree carving program, the Next Beginning, that turns aging trees into works of art.