Jack Yee makes regular visits to the Chinese Cemetery located in Erlton, a southwest neighborhood in Calgary, to honor his parents and the city’s early Chinese immigrants who arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The cemetery, established in 1908, is recognized as one of Calgary’s oldest cultural burial sites.
Over time, many of the original headstones at the cemetery have deteriorated, leaning due to their positioning or ground movement. Yee emphasized the significance of the cemetery to the Chinese community, expressing gratitude for their ancestors and predecessors while aiming to enhance the space for future generations.
As the president and CEO of the Calgary Chinatown Development Foundation, Yee collaborated with the City of Calgary to initiate the restoration and revitalization of the historic cemetery. Feng shui experts were consulted to evaluate the cemetery grounds, leading to a decision to rejuvenate the site.
In recent years, the city, along with numerous volunteers from the local Chinese community, safeguarded 343 historic graves and refurbished 177 monuments by resetting them on fortified soil foundations. Gary Daudlin, the City of Calgary’s cemeteries management lead, emphasized the importance of honoring those buried at the site, ensuring their contributions are recognized by future generations.
The restoration process involved meticulous monument removal and repair using epoxy to stabilize cracks. Community translators aided in identifying inscriptions and ensuring accurate placement of the stones. Volunteers from Calgary’s Chinese community actively participated in the revitalization efforts, engaging in monument cleaning and turf restoration activities.
A commemorative monument from China was also unveiled at the cemetery to celebrate the completed work. The Erlton Chinese Cemetery holds a special place in Calgary’s history, serving as a dedicated remembrance and community space during a time when Chinese residents were excluded from other cemeteries.
Early Chinese immigrants arrived in Calgary in the 1880s and established three Chinatown locations in subsequent years. Despite facing challenges such as discriminatory policies like the head tax, the Chinese community in Calgary persevered, contributing significantly to the city’s growth and development.
The restoration of the Erlton Chinese Cemetery symbolizes an act of remembrance and respect, acknowledging the struggles and achievements of Calgary’s early Chinese pioneers. Incumbent Ward 7 councillor Terry Wong highlighted the importance of honoring the city’s heritage and fostering stronger ties with the Chinese community for future generations.
