Memorial Benches
Memorial Benches
A commemorative plaque on a memorial bench provides an opportunity for individuals/families to remember a loved one, celebrate a birth or anniversary, or to honour other individual's personal and/or professional contributions to the community.
The City administers and supports the municipal memorial bench program. This program allows for private commemorations on memorial benches in public parks. Each memorial bench accommodates two separate commemorative plaques.
Memorial bench plaques are installed between May 1 and Oct. 31. Purchases made in the off-season will be addressed the following year.
- Payment in full is required prior to memorial bench plaque installation/dedication.
How to apply
Sign up/log in to MyKingston to complete your application online and ensure we can fulfill your request effectively. Require an alternate format? You can Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parks are memorial benches available in?
Memorial benches are permitted in most parks, with the exception of Confederation Park. Availability may be limited in some areas; however, this can be discussed upon review of your application.
What is the cost of a memorial bench?
The cost of a memorial bench is based on the current year's fees and charges bylaw and can be confirmed upon review of your application. Please note all fees are subject to HST and payment in full is required prior to bench dedication.
What is the term of my commemoration?
Memorial bench commemorations are available in 10- or 20-year terms. The term begins on the date of plaque installation and once the term has expired, you will be contacted to confirm if you would like to pay for an extension to your commemoration (an additional 10 years). If you choose not to extend, the plaque will be removed and returned to you, if you so choose. The cost for 10- or 20-year commemorations or for the 10-year extension (at the end of the initial term) will be based on the current year's fees and charges bylaw and are subject to HST.
How long does it take for my application to be processed?
Memorial Bench applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year, however, installation will only take place between May 1 and Oct. 31 annually. Applications received outside of this time period will be installed the following year.
Do I have to share my bench with another commemoration?
Yes, each bench has space for two commemorative plaques.
Who do I contact if I think my family has commissioned a memorial bench in the past?
You contact customer service at 613-546-0000 and they will direct your question to the appropriate department.
My family commissioned a bench before the commemoration policy was introduced. How long will our memorial bench plaque be in place?
Memorial bench commemorations installed prior to the implementation of the policy in 2013 will be legacied for 40 years from the date of initial installation.
