Grave markers nearly a century old vandalized in Saskatoon

An act of vandalism in Saskatoon has city officials shaking their heads in disappointment.

It happened sometime Friday night at the Woodlawn Cemetery off Warman road. About 25 headstones, some dating back to the 1920s, were left smashed and toppled on the ground.

Darren Crilly, the city’s parks director, was left dumbfounded.

“It’s an inappropriate, disrespectful and somewhat sickening activity that’s really disturbed us,” said Crilly.

Some grave markers were severely damaged, while others were easily set back into place.

“We’ll be reviewing what needs to be done with those (severely damaged) stones and try and get things back to normal as best as possible.”

Crilly said he and his staff will be notifying affected families as best as they can with the little contact information they have.

He added that it’s the first such incident in the five years he has held his position.

“Generally, it’s a restful place that people take great care and respect of and enjoy coming to,” said Crilly before taking a moment to remind people the cemetery is closed after 9 p.m.

Replacement costs for grave stones typically falls on the family.

Police haven’t announced any suspects.