Client: Capilano View Cemetery

Location: West Vancouver, BC

Date: 2005-2006

Project Description:

Har El Cemetery is the most recently constructed Jewish burial area in British Columbia. Planned and designed by LEES + Associates, this new cemetery is the firm’s latest project at Capilano View Cemetery in West Vancouver, BC.

The area was formally consecrated on July 6, 2006, having been designed according to Jewish customs and standards to provide 100 burial lots and gathering spaces for traditional funeral services, rituals and burials.

Har El Cemetery is located immediately inside the main entry to Capilano View Cemetery. Its burial area is symmetrically arranged along a central pathway that leads to a paved upper terrace. A basalt fieldstone retaining wall with broad steps forms a dignified backdrop for the in-ground burial area. Native trees and shrubs surround the site along its south and west edges. Red oaks and granite curbing frames its west edge and a possible expansion area lie to the north. Facilities for flower arranging and ritual hand washing are also provided.