Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

THE HONOURABLE ALEXANDER MACKENZIE

SUBJECT:

The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report Lakeview Cemetery and Crematorium 1016 Colborne Road Sarnia, Ontario Madame Julie Dompierre, Director Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) Les Terrasses de la Chaudire 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, 5th floor Quebec, K1A 0M5 National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers
Page 1 of 15

TO:

FOR:

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


PREPARED BY: Janet Wright Senior Conservation Advisor Heritage Programs Branch Heritage Conservation and Commemoration Directorate Gatineau, QC January 31, 2012

DATE:

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION DATE OF INSPECTION: PC FIELD UNIT CONTACT: 28 October 2011 Dhruba Subedi Asset Manager SW Ontario Field Unit Sunny, 5o Celsius

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAVE ENVIRONMENT: The gravesite of the Honourable Alexander Mackenzie is located in Lakeview Cemetery which is situated about three kilometres northeast of the historic downtown core. It is a well-maintained cemetery featuring a stone entrance gate, a substantial mausoleum in the classical style, and winding roadways through a landscape of mature trees. Established as a non-denominational cemetery in 1879 under the ownership of the Sarnia Cemetery Corporation, it is currently managed by a volunteer board of directors and by several full and part-time staff. Starting in fiscal year 2010-2011 Parks Canada has entered into a contract with an outside landscape firm to maintain the site. The gravesite of Alexander Mackenzie is part of a large Mackenzie family plot situated on a gently sloping site made up of four separate plots identified from the top of the hill to the bottom as plot numbers 97, 98, 99 and 103. The height of land is dominated by a substantial sandstone obelisk resting on a granite plinth and surmounted by a shroud covered urn. It is finely carved with leaf-like motifs in the upper levels and incised with the names of many of the Mackenzie family members including that of Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie. In addition to the monument there are fifty, nearly identical headstones composed of a granite slab set into a sandstone base. These stones are arranged in roughly parallel lines behind the monument and down the slope of the hill. Five small marble blocks mark the boundaries of the site which is surrounded by mature trees on three sides and by the asphalt roadway at the bottom of the slope. The awareness panel, the125th Confederation Anniversary plaque, and the flagpole are located just off the roadway directly in front of the family plot.
[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 2 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


2.0 COMPONENTS OBSERVATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 1. Awareness Panel Observation: The awareness panel is placed at the bottom of the Mackenzie family plot just off the paved access road. Defects noted in the 2005 monitoring report a missing bolt on the panel and chipped paint on the stand - have been repaired. The sign is in good condition and the black metal stand has been recently repainted with no signs of wear or rust. Recommended Action: None

Awareness panel is in good condition.

2. Flagpole Observation: The flagpole and 125th Confederation Anniversary plaque are located at the base of the slope just off the paved roadway. The flagpole is in good condition although it shows the usual wear in the black anodized coating caused by the exposed wire loop which holds the bottom of the flag to the pole. The metal cap protecting the brackets and bolts which attach the pole to the concrete base does not function effectively as it tends to hold in debris and moisture rather than keeping it out. As a result the bolts and base plate anchoring the stand to the concrete base show significant signs of rust and staining of the concrete.
Flagpole and 125 Confederation Anniversary plaque [Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]
th

Page 3 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


Recommended Action: High Priority: The manufacturer of the flagpole should be contacted to determine whether there is a more effective cap for protecting the brackets and bolts. The rusted bolts and plate should be replaced.

Photo showing black anodized coating being worn away.

The accumulation of debris and moisture which collects underneath the protective cap.

3. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

125 Confederation Anniversary plaque.

th

Back of the plaque which has been recently repainted.

Observation: The 125th Confederation Anniversary plaque is attached to the concrete base of the flagpole. The bronze plaque and metal stand are in good condition. Recommended Action: None

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 4 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


4. Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker Observation: The Prime Ministers memorial consists of an imposing sandstone obelisk resting on a granite base. It sits at the crest of the hill and bears his name as well as the names of other members of the family. The gravesite itself is marked by a simple granite and sandstone headstone which is one of 50 near identical markers on the site. Over the years the sandstone of the central monument had deteriorated significantly to the extent that some of the inscriptions were no longer legible. This was most evident on the west side which is exposed to the scouring effect of the prevailing winds. Significant scaling of the sandstone is also very evident on the lowest sandstone section which tended to wick up the moisture that collected on the more impermeable granite base. Assessments carried out over several years noted the increasingly rapid rate of deterioration and in 2009 Parks Canada entered into a contract to conserve the monument. The stone was cleaned, the stone was strengthened with a stone consolidant, and the joint between the granite base and the lowest sandstone block was repointed to prevent any further water infiltration. Additional mortar was also applied to stabilize a few areas where the thin outer layer of sandstone was separating from the underlying stone. These repairs appear to be in good condition although repointing the mortar between the upper sandstone blocks was not included in the scope of work and there are several areas where the mortar has worn away. This condition does not appear to be causing any immediate problems although it is recommended that grave markers be assess by a stone conservation specialist to assess the situation and to evaluate the overall performance of the conservation work carried out in 2009.

Photo illustrating the erosion of some of the inscriptions. Mackenzie family monument in 2011. [Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 5 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

Addition of mortar to secure face of the limestone

Missing mortar between the sandstone blocks.

The actual gravesite of Sir Alexander Mackenzie is identified by a small granite slab with a sandstone base. The slightly arched and canted top edge of the slab bears his name and the year of his death. It is one of 50 similar markers located on the family plots (see Section 5 Other grave markers). Over the years moisture penetrated the joint between the sandstone and the granite causing the wrought iron dowels, which attached to the two stones together, to rust, expand and cause the granite to crack. In 1999 it was one of eight similar stones to be conserved. The original wrought iron dowels were removed and replaced by stainless steel. At the same time the cracks in the granite were mortared and reinforced with additional stainless steel rods set in epoxy. A piece of the sandstone plinth which had broken off was re-attached to the stone. The repairs appear to be wearing well and there is no sign of further deterioration.

Alexander Mackenzie head stone.

1999 repair of the sandstone base.

Recommended Actions Medium Priority: A masonry conservation specialist should be engaged to evaluate the overall performance of the conservation work carried out in 1999 and 2009.
[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 6 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


5. Other Grave Markers Observation The Mackenzie family plot now consist of 50 individual head stones (including that of Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie described above). Most are in good condition although there is an algae-like staining to some of the sandstone bases which tend to absorb moisture. This tendency does not, however, appear to have a significant impact on the rusticated or simply carved stone. The 1999 conservation project included seven other headstones, some of which were in much poorer condition that the Alexander Mackenzie headstone. In all cases the original dowels were removed, the cracks repaired, and lost pieces of stone or open cracks were in-filled with a cement based mortar used for stone conservation. New stainless steel dowels were inserted and the stones were cleaned. These repairs are in good condition with possible exception of the John Mackenzie stone which has downward sloping gap in the mortar which could hold water and result in further deterioration. The monitoring report of 2005 stated that some of the stones were leaning forward but a comparison with the photos taken in 2011 shows that this problem has been corrected as part of the 2010 landscape conservation project. The five marble boundary markers are vulnerable to damage by lawn mowers, particularly those set low into the ground. The terms of the landscape conservation project specified that the marble blocks be raised and leveled. Although some are raised above the grass, the two at the bottom of the hill are still set almost flush with the ground level. The decision to issue a contract to an independent landscaper may have resolved this problem.

Mary F. Mackenzie headstone. The missing piece of Unidentified headstone showing repairs, and in good stone and open cracks were in-filled with Reconstec 310. condition.

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 7 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

John Mackenzie headstone.

John Mackenzie headstone showing open crack in the 1999 repairs.

Two headstones shown leaning forward in 2005.

The above photo taken in 2011 shows that the stones have been straightened.

Marble boundary marker showing damage from mowers. Raised boundary marker showing less damage.

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 8 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


Recommended Actions: Medium Priority: The performance of the masonry conservation carried out in 1999 and in 2009 should be reviewed by a masonry specialist and any necessary repairs to the various stones be identified. Ongoing: The condition of the stones and the impact of landscape maintenance practices should be monitored. 6. Vegetation (trees, shrubs, plant material, lawn)

Mature deciduous tree within the Mackenzie family plot.

Surrounding canopy of trees around the Mackenzie monument.

The landscaping consists of lawn and one mature oak tree located in the lower half the site. Several other mature trees flank and overhang the site. The lawn had been recently topped-dressed and is in good condition. The 2005 report had noted the erosion of soil around the base of the central monument and around some of the individual headstones but this was corrected as part of the work carried out in 2010. Gravel and topsoil were added at the base of the main monument and the grade was sloped away from the base to provide better drainage. The grass around the bases of the fifty headstones is now flush with the lawn. The 2005 monitoring report identified a
[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 9 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


dead branch in one of the adjacent trees. This was still evident although it is located high up in the canopy and it does not appear to represent a major threat or mar the appearance of the site. Recommended Action: None

Exposed granite base of the principal monument in 1999.

Landscaping around the monument in 2011.

7. Landscape features (pavement, benches and others)

Area where the roadway will be widened on both sides.

Directional signage installed by the cemetery.

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 10 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


Lakeview Cemetery is planning to widen the roadway at the base of the site by one foot on either side to provide enough space for a car to pass a parked vehicle. The shoulders of the roadway are currently being eroded and the lawn destroyed by cars parking and driving over these areas. There is sufficient space between the lower stones and the commemorative flagpole to allow for this widening. Lakeview Cemetery has also erected a directional sign to the Mackenzie Monument. Although this is useful aid for visitors trying to find the site in this large cemetery, it has been built of poor quality materials and it has been allowed to deteriorate. Recommended Action: Medium priority: To encourage the Lakeview Cemetery to remove or repair the sign. Parks Canada may wish to consider developing a program of directional signs for the gravesites, particularly for those located in large cemeteries. 3.0 PREVIOUS CONSERVATION INTERVENTIONS 1999 Archaeological excavation and assessment carried prior to beginning conservation work. 1999 Conservation work carried out on eight small head stones including that of Sir Alexander Mackenzie. 1999 Installation flagpole and Awareness Panel. 2000 Conservation and Maintenance Plan for the Gravesite of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, prepared by the Heritage Conservation Directorate, PWGSC. 2009- Conservation of the sandstone monument by Trevor Gillingwater, stone conservation specialist. 2010 Landscape conservation including excavating selected headstones, resetting them in new concrete footings and leveling off the site with topsoil to hide the concrete footings of all the stones. 4.0 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS There is no formal agreement between Parks Canada and the Lakeview Cemetery and Crematorium; nor has the Conservation and Maintenance Plan has not been communicated to them. The Mackenzie gravesite is also the only case in which Parks Canada has decided to issue a separate contract to an independent landscaper to look
[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 11 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


after the grounds. According to the South Western Ontario Field Unit this was done because the maintenance practices of Lakeview Cemetery were damaging some of the stones and the cemetery was unable to meet the standards of care stipulated by Parks Canada. Lakeview Cemetery is not happy with this arrangement as it undermines its roles and responsibilities. 5.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Flag pole High Priority: The manufacturer of the flagpole should be contacted to determine whether there is a more effective cap for protecting the brackets and bolts. The rusted bolts and plate should be replaced.

Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker Medium Priority: A masonry conservation specialist should be engaged to evaluate the overall performance of the conservation work carried out in 2009. Other Grave Markers Medium Priority: The performance of the masonry conservation carried out in 1999 and in 2010 should be reviewed by a masonry specialist and any necessary repairs to the deteriorated headstone be identified. Ongoing: The condition of the stones and the impact of landscape maintenance practices should be monitored.

Landscape features (pavement, benches and others) Medium priority: To encourage the Lakeview Cemetery to remove or repair the sign. Parks Canada may wish to consider developing a program of directional signs for the gravesites, particularly for those located in large cemeteries.

Here is a summary of the recommended actions over the next five coming years: Recommendations 2012 Flagpole The manufacturer of the flagpole should be 2013 2014 2015 2016

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 12 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


contacted to determine whether there is a more effective cap for protecting the brackets and bolts. The rusted bolts and plate should be replaced. Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker A masonry conservation specialist should be engaged to evaluate the overall performance of the conservation work carried out in 2009. The performance of the masonry conservation carried out in 1999 and in 2010 should be reviewed by a masonry specialist and any necessary repairs to the
Page 13 of 15

Other Grave Markers

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


deteriorated headstone be identified. The condition of the stones and the impact of landscape maintenance practices should be monitored. Landscape features (pavement, benches and others) To encourage the Lakeview Cemetery to remove or repair the sign. Parks Canada may wish to consider developing a program of directional signs for the gravesites, particularly for those located in large cemeteries.

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 14 of 15

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT


6.0 APPENDIX Contact: Kelly OConnor, General Manager Lakeview Cemetery & Crematorium 1016 Colborne Road Sarnia, ON N7V 3K7 Phone: 519-337-5761 Fax: 519-337-5922

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie]

Page 15 of 15

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi