Helping Our Communities
We are a small group of dedicated volunteers committed to preserving, maintaining, and beautifying the Hillside and Pioneer Cemeteries along Highway 224 in Middle Musquodoboit. These sacred grounds are more than resting places — they are symbols of our shared heritage, honouring the stories, memories, and legacies of those who built and shaped our community.
Stewardship Through Care and Respect
As members of this close-knit community, we take pride in ensuring that these cemeteries remain peaceful, dignified spaces for remembrance and reflection. Each year, we undertake landscaping, maintenance, and beautification efforts to protect the character and natural beauty of these historic grounds.
Community Support and Registered Charity Status
We are grateful to be recognized as a Registered Charity through the Canada Revenue Agency, allowing us to provide official charitable donation receipts for income tax purposes. Our work relies on the generosity of caring individuals, families, and local businesses who value the importance of honouring our past.
Recent Improvements
Thanks to community support and volunteer labour, we have been able to:Remove and replace the fencing at both Hillside and Pioneer Cemeteries
Restore and repaint the entry arches
Fully restore the original slate and stone steps at Pioneer Cemetery
Replace our aging ride-on lawn mower with a more efficient model to ensure reliable groundskeeping
These enhancements also allowed us to secure required liability insurance coverage to protect the property and visitors.
Annual Operating Costs
Maintaining the cemeteries each year involves ongoing expenses such as:
Groundskeeping (mowing and trimming): Approximately $6,000 per season
Insurance (liability and equipment coverage): $2,100 annually
Bookkeeping and tax reporting: Provided by volunteers
While some cleanup and repairs are carried out by volunteers, financial support remains essential to meeting the yearly costs required to care for these historic cemeteries.
