
In the quiet sanctuary of Transcona Cemetery’s Field of Honour, over 300 Canadian veterans and service members rest in peace. This peaceful spot, along with another Winnipeg-owned cemetery, offers final resting places dedicated solely to the brave souls who served in the nation’s military. However, the cost is not insubstantial, with each plot ringing in at approximately $1,500.
A citywide program formerly allowed these notable citizens to be interred here, the costs waived in respect for their service. Yet, in a move that slipped under the radar, the program was abruptly discontinued this year.
The person behind the initial instigation of the program was Peter Martin, a Veterans’ advocate, and the Manitoba coordinator for No Stone Left Alone, who won approval for it in 2022 with the help of former Transcona councillor Shawn Nason.
“Back in 2022, it was agreed that all veterans would receive a free plot in the Field of Honour in either Transcona or Brookside cemeteries,” Martin recalls. This year, 11 veterans found their final resting place in these fields of honour, courtesy of the now-defunct program.
However, the following year, while assisting a veteran’s widow, Martin discovered that funding for the program had not been continued. Initially included in the city’s 2022 budget, it had been left out of later fiscal plans.
In light of this discovery, Martin petitioned for the funding to be restored for upcoming years. With the support of Mynarski Ward councillor Ross Eadie and Transcona representative, Councillor Russ Wyatt, a motion was presented to the city council on October 26th.
“I heartily support this,” Wyatt voiced, referencing the universal coverage Martin had been advocating for. This program, estimated to cost the city around $23,000 annually, could stand as a symbol of the city’s gratitude to its veterans.
Martin firmly believes in the significance of this message, saying, “It’s another way for the city and the community to show appreciation for their service.”
Now, the proposal to reincorporate the program in the city’s 2024 budget is being processed. Martin remains hopeful, with the funding set to be debated in the upcoming year. Even if the city failed to include the funding in their budget, Martin affirms his determination, vowing not to “let it go.”
If all goes according to plan, Martin looks forward to confirming his victory to the veteran community: “You want a free plot? I’ll ensure you’ve got it. It’s back in our budget.” His ultimate goal is to ensure the successful program is not just resurrected for a single year, but embedded as a permanent fixture in the city’s budget.