Just days before Remembrance Day, the City of Saint John restored the missing plaques on the King’s Square Cenotaph. Thieves stole the original bronze markers honoring Canadian troops from the Second World War and Afghanistan in June. To prevent future thefts, the city removed the remaining bronze placards and returned them to the local legion.

According to a report from CTV News Atlantic, the memorial now features etched granite.

The Switch to Granite

The new etched granite plaques cost the city about $7,000. Saint John Parks and Recreation Superintendent Nick Crozier says the city chose granite because it costs less and offers better durability. More importantly, granite lacks the scrap value of bronze. Officials hope this change stops thieves from targeting the monuments again.

A Citywide Problem

The theft at King’s Square represents a small part of a larger issue. Thieves have targeted memorials in Queen’s Square, Harbour Passage, and the Loyalist Burial Grounds.

“We have about 25 to 30 other plaques around the city that have been stolen,” Crozier told CTV Atlantic. “We are currently in the investigation mode as far as what products work for what monuments. Every monument is different, so every product that we replace the bronze with is going to be different and custom to that monument.”

Disrespect at Fernhill Cemetery

Fernhill Cemetery also faces significant losses. General Manager Patrick Olsen reports at least 15 plaques need replacement, including the IODE Cenotaph markers.

“It is very disrespectful to the people who reside here and their families as well,” Olsen says. “This is a place meant for memory, memorialization, and respect and honor for the people who are here. It is quite shameful to see that people would come and disrespect them in that way.”

Olsen plans to replace the stolen bronze with granite for the same reasons as the city. “The idea is that we get something that is not likely to be stolen again,” Olsen says. “You cannot melt down a rock and sell that.”

The Cost of Restoration

City Council recently reviewed a report estimating the total repair cost for all stolen and damaged monuments at over $31,000. You will have to wait to see all the replacements completed. Dropping temperatures push the remaining restoration work into the spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saint John replace the cenotaph plaques with granite?

The city chose granite because it is cheaper, highly durable, and lacks scrap value. This makes it much less likely to be stolen compared to bronze.

How much did the King’s Square Cenotaph replacement cost?

The new etched granite plaques at King’s Square cost approximately $7,000.

Are there other missing plaques in Saint John?

Yes. The city is missing 25 to 30 other plaques across various locations, including Queen’s Square, Harbour Passage, and Fernhill Cemetery.

When will the city replace the rest of the missing plaques?

The city plans to replace them, but dropping winter temperatures push the remaining restoration work into the spring.