Scarborough Cemetery Operator Issues Apology Over Gravesite Item Removal

Family members of the deceased have expressed outrage after the removal of religious items from gravesites at Pine Hills Cemetery in Scarborough, Ontario. The Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries, which manages the site, issued a public apology on August 27, 2025, and announced a pause on its item removal program.

In their statement, the group acknowledged the distress caused by the removal of items, which they described as part of a safety initiative. “We want to begin by expressing our heartfelt apology for the pain, distress, and frustration caused by our recent removal of articles at gravesites,” the organization stated. They emphasized their commitment to improving communication with families and cultural communities.

Criticism arose when some families reported not being informed about the policy changes. Joanna Nikiforos, a member of the Greek community, highlighted the lack of communication. “Many members of the Greek community are outraged by the lack of respect and care that these religious items were handled with,” she told CityNews. She described the experience of seeing cherished items bagged as “like trash,” underscoring the emotional impact on families.

The cemetery’s signage indicated that items would be removed for “safety, beauty and inclusivity,” but many families felt the communication was insufficient. The sign stated that removed items would be kept for 60 days before disposal, yet the vague nature of the notice left many unaware of the implications.

The Mount Pleasant Group stated that the policy had been approved by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, with the intention of ensuring the safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers. Nevertheless, they conceded that the implementation of the new rule was poorly managed. “We acknowledge that our messages did not reach everyone, and we could have done better—particularly in communicating with faith-based and culturally diverse communities,” the organization remarked.

In response to the backlash, a video shared on social media by Yannis Kakagiannis showed numerous bags filled with removed items, amplifying public concern about the situation. Kakagiannis remarked, “To look at this video is horrifying in my mind,” emphasizing the emotional weight of the issue.

The Mount Pleasant Group has committed to reviewing its operating by-laws and stated it would work with families to restore meaningful items, including the removal of “holy houses” from gravesites. They also indicated plans to explore better storage options for items currently placed in bags, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.

As the situation unfolds, the cemetery operator aims to foster better relationships with families and communities, addressing their concerns and restoring trust.