GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR WILFRID LAURIER

SUBJECT:

The Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Lauriers Grave Site Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report Notre Dame Cemetery 455 Montreal Road, Ottawa ON, K1K 0V2 Madame Julie Dompierre, Director Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) Secretariat Les Terrasses de la Chaudire 25, Eddy Street, Gatineau, 5th floor Quebec K1A 0M5 National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers

TO:

FOR:

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier]

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GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

PREPARED BY:

Shelley Bruce, Genevive Charrois, and Janet Wright Heritage Programs Branch, National Historic Sites Directorate Parks Canada 25 Eddy Street (25-5-Q), Gatineau, QC, K1A 0M5 January 31, 2012

DATE:

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION DATE OF INSPECTION: September 13, 2011 Also present during site inspection: Blythe MacInnis, HSMBC Secretariat B. Bariteau, Director of Cemeteries R. Charbonneau, Cemetery, Maintenance Jennifer Duquette National Historic Sites Program Manager PCA Eastern Ontario Field Unit 613-449-4702 Cloudy and rainy, 19C

PC FIELD UNIT CONTACT:

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAVE ENVIRONMENT: The grave site of the Right Honourable Sir Wilfrid Laurier is located directly in front of the main entrance to Notre-Dame Cemetery a medium sized urban burial ground in the City of Ottawa. The grave site consists of a raised island surfaced in mown grass. An elevated stone sarcophagus ornamented by bronze sculpture is located at the centre of this island. Other elements include the National Programs awareness panel, a flagpole, the 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque and a granite bench all located off the island but within view of the Laurier grave site, and four mature Sugar Maples, a granite bench, two wood and metal benches, four spotlights, and a garbage container located on or at the north end of the island.

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2.0 COMPONENTS OBSERVATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 1. Awareness Panel

Description: cast aluminum plaque with grey enamel, approx 700mm X 1090mm, mounted to a granite slab supported by a concrete base. Observation: As noted in 2005, the red colour on the flags on the Awareness Panel is wearing away and the grey background paint has chipped in a few places but the sign is still quite legible. Recommended Action: Low priority: Touch up the flag with matching and adequate paint (as recommended by manufacturer). Observation: There is some rusting around the bottom of the oval photograph of Laurier which is probably caused by the failure of the seal around the bottom of the picture. The picture itself is in good condition. Recommended Action: Low priority: Treat against rust, paint the surface, and reseal the picture frame to the panel.
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Observation: The granite slab which holds the panel is chipped on the underside of the slab at the bottom of two corners. This may be caused by lawn mowers hitting the stone. The granite has a slight orange mottling which appears to be natural to the stone. Recommended Action: Ongoing: Monitor to ensure that no more damage is occurring and inform maintenance workers to carefully use machinery in this location.

2. Flagpole

Description: Black anodized aluminum pole with a brass ball finial and black spunaluminum base cover, on a rectangular concrete base, approx 9m high. The flagpole and the (missing) 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque are located in a different location than the Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker.

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Observation: The aluminum flag pole is painted black and is in good condition although the paint is being worn off by the metal loop that holds the bottom of the flag in place. This loop originally had a plastic covering to protect the pole. The 2005 report noted that the covering was broken and should be replaced. Instead it has disappeared altogether. Otherwise, the flag is in good condition. Recommended Action: Medium priority: Replace the flag loop (by one with an intact plastic covering). If possible, have the flag pole repainted where paint has worn off. Observation: There is a slight build up of lichen on the concrete base. Recommended Action: Ongoing: Gently wash (by hand and/or by using low-pressure water source) the concrete base and monitor to ensure that the cause of lichen presence is not due to high humidity trapped in that location.

3. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque Observation: The plaque is missing and the black metal stand is rusting slightly at the bottom. Recommended Action: High priority: Have a
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new plaque cast and installed. However, before proceeding with the installation of the new plaque, the stand should be treated against rust and painted. 4. Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker

Description: The monument is composed of a stone sarcophagus ornamented by a bronze cross and the coats of arms of the nine provinces that constituted Canada during Lauriers time in office. The coats of arms are linked by a bronze garland. The sarcophagus rests on a rectilinear mass faced in grey granite and with pilasters at the corners. Nine life size bronze maidens stand around this mass, as if supporting the sarcophagus above. Supporting the maidens is a large granite faced mass with Lauriers name and dates inscribed, and the name of his wife. A bronze wreath is located below the inscriptions. This rests on a granite pediment, which in turn rests on a granite platform. The platform is reached from the ground by three granite steps.

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Observation: Generally the monument is in good condition. There is some discolouration of the granite caused by moisture dripping off the top of the stone steps and running down the top riser. Additional discolouration is caused by water running off the bronze sculptures and wreath and onto the granite. Recommended Action: Ongoing: Monitor, and if water starts creating too much discoloration, identify remedial measures (minimal intervention is recommended). Observation: The bronze statues and wreath are in good condition but debris (leaves, cobwebs etc) collect at the base of these elements. Recommended Action: Ongoing: Regularly remove the debris accumulating at the base of the statues by hand and/or by using a lowpressure water source.

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Observation: The gaps in the mortar that were identified in the 2005 report have been repaired. There are a few small cracks in the mortar and areas where it is beginning to chip away. The horizontal joints on the two long sides and between the base stone for the statues and the top of the main block show the most wear but there is no sign of major deterioration caused by a freeze thaw process. Recommended Action: Ongoing: Monitor to ensure that joints are still intact, and should there be areas where joints are starting to deteriorate, proceed with localized repointing (with compatible mortar). Observation: There are a few small cracks in the mortar and areas where it is beginning to chip away. The horizontal joints on the two long sides and between the base stone for the statues and the top of the main block show the most wear but there is no sign of major deterioration caused by a freeze thaw process. Recommended Action: Ongoing: Monitor to ensure that joints are still intact, and should there be areas where joints are starting to deteriorate, proceed with localized repointing (with compatible mortar).
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Observation: The horizontal mortar joints at the base of the top steps on both sides of the long elevation seem to be wetter than other areas and may be the result of a slight inward tilt of the stone step. The mortar, although damp after a recent rainfall, is intact. There are two chips in the granite blocks in the middle rear step of the tomb. Recommended Action: Ongoing: Monitor and, if required, level and repoint (with compatible mortar). Observation: Some rust-like like spots appear in the granite face. This is likely natural to the stone. Recommended Action: Low priority: At the moment, gently clean the surface. Monitor to ensure that the rust spots are no t enl arging. S hould t he r ust spots be enl arging, i nvestigate t he ca use and implement remediation m easures. I f the ca use i s natural t o t he st one, replacement might be the only way to stop the process.

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Observation: The parging over the concrete foundations is chipping off in places. Recommended Action: Low priority: Proceed with localized parging of the concrete.

5. Vegetation (trees, lawn, flower bed) Observation: Four mature maples are planted at the four corners of the site. They were pruned in 2011 but still the trees seem stressed as indicated by small size of the leaves and sparse canopy. This is probably caused by insufficient water. Recommended Action: Medium priority: Investigate reasons of stress and possible mitigation measures to correct the situation.

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Observation: The grass around the monument on the upper level appears to be healthy but the grass on the slopes (particularly on the south side) is sparse and suffering from drought. This is a chronic problem throughout the growing season. Recommended Action: Medium priority: An assessment of the soil, soil drainage and irrigation is required to determine how to improve the growing environment.

Observation: A small flower bed has been planted with annuals on the south side of the stone pavers. Recommended Action: Ongoing: This flower bed will have to be maintained in the future. No action required at the moment.

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6. Limestone Paving

Observation: The paving stones are slightly uneven and some weeds are growing between the slabs but less than reported in 2005. This may be the result of a drier summer. Some of the stones are discoloured with a black mottling which may be the result of pollution or, more likely, some form of mould due to moisture. Recommended Action: Medium priority: Level, and gently clean the paving surface to remove stain (do not use abrasive) - ensure that the ground is well compacted before reinstalling the stones.
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Observation: One stone is cracked and spalled at one corner. Recommended Action: Medium priority: Use compatible mortar to reassemble the loose stone pieces or replace as the paver does not have historic value.

7. Other features (benches, spotlights and garbage container) Observation: The granite bench is in good condition although there are two small chips in the underside of the granite seat which are probably caused by the mower. The bench is not level, is set off centre from the monument, and faces away from the monument. Recommended Action: Low priority: Move the bench to a more suitable location.

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Observation: The granite bench installed in 2011 at the flagpole base is in good condition. Recommended Action: None.

Observation: Four l arge spotlights have b een installed around t he m onument. T hey are intrusive and i nappropriate to se tting but i n g ood condition. Recommended Action: Low priority: When the spotlights reach their end of useful life, replace them with less obtrusive spotlights.

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Observation: The wooden benches are in good condition and maintained with fresh paint. They are utilitarian in their design and not in keeping with the site, also they face away from the monument. Recommended Action: Low priority: Install new benches more in keeping with the site and move them so they face the grave marker. Observation: A plastic garbage bin is placed in front of the granite seat. Recommended Action: Low priority: Reconsider having a garbage container in this location. If the container is to be retained, replace it with one more in keeping. If the granite bench is not relocated, move the garbage bin to the left or to the right of the wood/steel benches so access to the granite bench is made easier. 3.0 PREVIOUS CONSERVATION INTERVENTIONS 1994 1997 1999 Conservation treatment for all the bronze work. 125th Anniversary Plaque erected. Four spot light fixtures installed. Inspection, surface cleaning, and application of new sacrificial wax coating for the bronze work. Flagpole and Awareness Panel installed. 125th Anniversary Plaque relocated to be lower to the ground, in the same

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footing as the flagpole. The grass on the island removed and re-seeded with some sod laid around the foundation of the awareness panel. The four Sugar Maples were pruned, and the tree at the southwest corner of the island were cabled to prevent its trunk from splitting. The whole monument was repointed, and a cracked granite step on the south side of the plaza was repaired. Wood / metal bench installed. Installation of three feet of gravel in the void under the plaza, and installation of a weeping tile connection between the void under the plaza, and the citys storm sewer. Old tile was found to broken and blocked. Various attempts to rectify the sad appearance of the lawn. Date unknown: some mortar joint cracks identified in the Grave Site Evaluation were repaired. Flower bed added to the Flagpole - Awareness Panel-125th Anniversary Plaque setting. Pruning of the Maple trees after damages due to wind storm.

2003

2003-2011 2005-2011 2011

4.0 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Both the director of the Cemetery, and the person responsible for maintenance were present during site inspection. They have demonstrated great interest in the physical maintenance of the various components of the grave site and are particularly concerned with the condition of the lawn on the island. After various attempts to change the situation (seeds, top soil, ..) the conclusion is that the grass lacks watering. They suggested the installation of watering devices at the periphery of the grave marker to water the lawn and the trees. 5.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended to install a new 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque. Also, in the future, some actions should be taken or should continue to take place such as: Joints monitoring and if required localized repointing, paint touch up, gentle surfaces cleaning (flagpole base, grave site marker, limestone paving), levelling of surfaces where required; Resealing of the picture of the Awareness Panel; Flag loop replacement; Concrete parging of concrete base of grave site marker;
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Assessment of stress on vegetation and implementation of remediation measures; As well, it is recommended to rethink some aspects of the landscape design such as the location of one of the benches and of the garbage bin.

1. The list of recommended actions per feature is as follow: Awareness Panel Ongoing: Monitor to ensure that no more damage is occurring and inform maintenance workers to carefully use machinery in this location. Low priority: Touch up the flag with matching and adequate paint (as recommended by manufacturer). Treat against rust, paint the surface, and reseal the picture frame to the panel. Flagpole Ongoing: Gently wash (by hand and/or by using low-pressure water source) the concrete base and monitor to ensure that the cause of lichen presence is not due to high humidity trapped in that location. Medium priority: Replace the flag loop (by one with an intact plastic covering). If possible, have the flag pole repainted where paint has worn off. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque High priority: Have a new plaque cast and installed. However, before proceeding with the installation of the new plaque, the stand should be treated against rust and painted. Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker Ongoing: Monitor, and if water starts creating too much discoloration, identify remedial measures (minimal intervention is recommended). Regularly remove the debris accumulating at the base of the statues by hand and/or by using a low-pressure water source. Monitor to ensure that joints are still intact, and should there be areas where joints are starting to deteriorate, proceed with localized repointing (with compatible mortar). Low priority: Gently clean the surface. Monitor to ensure that the rust spots are not e nlarging. S hould t he r ust s pots be e nlarging, i nvestigate t he ca use a nd implement r emediation m easures. I f t he ca use i s natural t o t he st one, replacement might be the only way to stop the process. Proceed with localized parging of the concrete.

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Vegetation (trees, lawn, flower bed) Ongoing: This flower bed will have to be maintained in the future. No action required at the moment. Medium priority: Investigate reasons of stress and possible mitigation measures to correct the situation. An assessment of the soil, soil drainage and irrigation is required to determine how to improve the growing environment. Limestone Paving Medium priority: Level, and gently clean the paving surface to remove stain (do not use abrasive) - ensure that the ground is well compacted before reinstalling the stones. Use compatible mortar to reassemble the loose stone pieces or replace as the paver does not have historic value. Other features (benches, spotlights and garbage container) Low priority: Move the bench to a more suitable location. When the spotlights reach their end of useful life, replace them with less obtrusive spotlights. Install new benches more in keeping with the site and move them so they face the grave marker. Reconsider having a garbage container in this location. If the container is to be retained, replace it with one more in keeping. If the granite bench is not relocated, move the garbage bin to the left or to the right of the wood/steel benches so access to the granite bench is made easier. 2. Here is a summary of the recommended actions over the next five coming years: Recommendations Awareness Panel 2012 2013 2014 Touch up paint of the red flag. 2015 2016

Treat the rust, paint the panel where required, and reinstall and seal

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the picture frame to the panel.

Flagpole

125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker

Vegetation (trees, lawn, flower bed)

Limestone Paving

Other features (benches, spotlights, and garbage container)

Replace the flag loop, and paint the pole where paint has worn off. Gently wash the base to remove lichen. Replace missing plaque and treat the rust. Monitor joints deterioration; if required, proceed with localized repointing. Also monitor levelling of surfaces and rust spots. Remove the accumulating debris. Parging of concrete foundation. Investigate causes of stress. Implement measures to improve situation and avoid stress on vegetation. Level and use compatible mortar to fix cracked paving units or replace paving.. Gently clean the surface. Move one of the granite benches to a more suitable location.
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Replace the wood/metal benches.

Move, change or eliminate garbage bin.

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