The municipal cemeteries of Drummondville, Quebec, began affixing search notices to a number of tombstones early Sunday morning as maintenance contracts for several burial plots reached their expiration dates. The notices, placed on the stone markers themselves, ask passersby and relatives to come forward with information that could identify the owners of the unmaintained graves.
Officials from the city’s cemetery department explained that the lapse of contractual agreements with private caretakers has left a portion of the grounds without regular upkeep. Without a responsible party to fund or perform maintenance, the municipal authority is now seeking the next‑of‑kin of those interred in the affected plots. The posted notices contain brief wording that requests contact with the cemetery office to confirm familial ties or to arrange for future maintenance.
The practice of using tombstone notices as a last‑resort outreach tool is not unique to Drummondville. Several other municipalities across Quebec have reported similar measures after discovering that expired contracts left sections of their historic burial sites unattended. In those cases, the approach has been described as a practical method to reconnect families with their ancestors and to ensure that the sites receive appropriate care.
City representatives emphasized that the notices are intended solely to locate relatives and do not imply any neglect of the graves themselves. They added that once a family member is identified, the municipality will discuss options for renewing maintenance agreements or transferring responsibility. The effort reflects a broader municipal concern about preserving the dignity of burial sites while navigating the administrative challenges of contract management.
Residents who recognize a name or inscription on the posted notices are encouraged to contact the Drummondville cemetery office during regular business hours. The department plans to monitor responses closely and to update the status of each affected plot as families are identified and maintenance plans are put in place.