There have been changes to how the province regulates cemeteries.
This means Campbell River’s cemetery management bylaws will also have to change, which is why city staff put together a report highlighting updates to the city’s cemetery bylaw.
The city’s cemetery bylaw was first approved in 1987. Amendments were made from time to time, with the last one made in 2009.
The change will ensure Campbell River’s bylaw is in line with the province’s Cremation, Interment & Funeral Services Act. Changes to the bylaw will also facilitate improved services at the city’s two cemeteries.
Fee scheduling has also been updated in the new bylaw. It also provides the terms for new services like Green Burial, standing marker plots, and pre-need sales.
Councillor Ron Kerr asked city staff when the new services will be available.
Director of Operations Drew Hadfield says they’re still working on it.
“We’re currently working on the expansion of the (Elk Falls) cemetery, so I don’t anticipate it to be in the very near future but we’re hoping to have it ideally in the next year or so,” Hadfield said.
Green Burial means emphasizing simplicity and environmental sustainability. The proposed new bylaw states that the city will designate a part of the cemetery for Green Burial and what kinds of caskets or shrouds are allowed.
Proposed cemetery fees can be found here. Staff are proposing to have the new fees come into effect by September 16th.
The changes are a long time coming, says Mayor Andy Adams. The changes were first worked on in 2016.
The new bylaw will be given first and second reading before being fully approved.
