Not just potter's field — Calgary to create permanent memorial for those who died while homeless

In Calgary's early history, those who died unclaimed or abandoned were buried in "potter's field." Hundreds of people, beneath a small patch of grass in Union Cemetery, marked by a post reading "PF." 

The name comes from the Gospel of Matthew and a reference to a public field where "foreigners" and outcasts were buried.

On Saturday, mourners marked the winter solstice and longest night of a year by laying a wreath and flowers in that field.

Next year they will have a more central place to celebrate and honour the lives of those who died while experiencing homelessness. 

"It's a memorial to those that have passed in homelessness, a place … to grieve to heal to give homage to people they have lost," said Diana Krecsy, president and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation. "It's also a beacon of hope, it says that in the city, in the Beltline, in the downtown core, it says the city cares and we're not going to forget these people are here."

Nigel Kirk, a member of the client action committee and a member with Poverty Talks, told those in attendance at a memorial at Calgary city hall on Saturday evening that a permanent memorial at 13th Avenue and First Street S.E. will be unveiled by this time next year.

Kirk spent 10 years living on the street.

"In those 10 years I lost numerous friends and I always wanted a way to honour them," he said.

This year, 123 names were on the list of those lost, from causes like exposure to the cold, violence, addiction and suicide.

"I'm looking forward to a day where we can still gather here, still honour those that have passed away, but not have to add any names," Kirk said.

• Funerals held each year for dozens of Calgarians who die alone

Kreczy said she hopes a permanent memorial will lessen the stigma around homelessness.

"There are no homeless people. There are people experiencing homelessness. They are just like any one of us," she said. 

A marker has already been installed on a light post at the future permanent memorial site.