Commemorative Program

Our Commemorative Program offers residents and community groups the opportunity to honour a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or recognize a significant accomplishment by installing commemorative items such as benches, trees, and other memorials on Haldimand County property.

On this page

• Types of commemorative items
• How to apply
• Fees and costs
• Duration, renewal and maintenance
• Program restrictions
• Commemoration events

Types of commemorative items

Benches

You can dedicate a new or existing bench with a plaque. New benches are installed in locations determined by both the applicant and our staff. Commemoration of existing benches is available in certain locations.

Trees

You can plant a tree in memory of a loved one or to celebrate an occasion. A plaque can be included, or the tree can be planted without a plaque.

Other commemorative items

Other items, such as cairns, are considered case-by-case and reviewed through Haldimand County’s Community Partnership Program.

Fees and costs

Commemorative bench

The total cost for a commemorative bench includes the price of the bench, plaque and installation. These fees will vary depending on the type of item requested, the location selected and any site modifications required to ensure current accessibility legislation is met

• Option 1: New bench with a plaque and concrete pad, estimated cost $6,000 to $8,000 (10-year term)
• Option 2: Commemoration of an existing bench with plaque, estimated cost $1,700 - $2,300 (5-year term)

Commemorative tree

Commemorative tree costs are defined by our user fees and depend on whether you include a plaque or not. View the current costs.

Other commemorative items

Items other than benches and trees are reviewed under the Community Partnership Program and can involve additional processes. Projects that exceed $10,000 will require approval by Haldimand County Council. 

Duration, renewal and maintenance

Commemorative benches

New benches are installed with a 10-year term of recognition. After the term ends, there is an option to renew for another 5 years.

Existing benches can be commemorated for 5 years, with an option to renew for another 5 years. After the term ends, if no renewal is requested, the plaque will be returned to the applicant.

Commemorative trees

Trees with plaques will be maintained and replaced by the County for 10 years. After 10 years, the plaque can be renewed for an additional 5-year term. If the renewal is not requested, the plaque will be removed after attempts to contact the applicant.

Maintenance

Haldimand County is responsible for the ongoing maintenance, repairs, and replacement of commemorative items. This includes addressing issues such as vandalism or deterioration. The County may relocate commemorative items if necessary due to factors like redevelopment or site changes. In these cases, the County will attempt to notify the applicant.

Restrictions

To maintain the dignity of commemorative items, placing tokens, flowers, or other mementoes near the bench, tree, or other memorial is prohibited. Any items left at a commemorative location will be removed and disposed of by Haldimand County staff.

Commemoration events

Public or private events to mark the installation of a commemorative item are welcome, subject to compliance with Haldimand County's Festival and Events Policy and Public Relations and Media Events Protocol. Organizers are responsible for all associated costs, including any facility rentals.