Committee of the Whole discusses cemetery bylaw amendments

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore Committee of the Whole reviewed the town’s Cemetery Bylaw No. 23-31 during the May 8 meeting.

Operations Manager for the Town of Strathmore, Donna McCallum, presented the bylaw to the committee, which was last reviewed by council on Nov. 1. 

At the time, the bylaw discussion was differed at the motion of Coun. Denise Peterson, in order to allow for more time to consider feedback from the community, as well as to consider the bylaw amendments.

Second Reading of the bylaw was previously passed, Oct. 18, during the regular meeting, though the matter remained divisive amongst council members. 

“There is no doubt that the cemetery bylaw requires updating. It needs definitions added, changed and removed; it needs enhancements to industry best practices regarding internment, disinterment, visitation guidelines, and work within the cemetery,” said McCallum. “It needs legal updates and alignment with the Cemeteries Act and regulations. An updated bylaw enables staff to explore additional recommendations outlined in the cemetery master plan that will refine administrating and operating the cemetery.”

McCallum added the update also is designed to help advance the town towards cost recovery.

It was also noted during McCallum’s presentation before the committee, a right certificate grants the right to internment, however the town retains ownership of the cemetery land itself.

“The cemetery is managed similarly to a condo association. Condo associations will make rules regarding pets, holiday decorations, allowable outdoor paint colours, and trash removal,” she said. “Although a person will have the right to be interred in the cemetery, they are required to follow our bylaw. As per the Cemeteries Act and regulations, the town can make bylaws pertaining to the cemetery.”

Town expenses relating to the cemetery were reported to range between $40,000 and $50,000 annually, which is taken from the parks budget.

Prior to the Nov. 1meeting, McCallum explained administration received feedback from local citizens and clients who were seeking more flexibility with placement of grave decorations. 

Administration is recommending to proceed with the proposed bylaw, with the addition of amendments provided to council in their report, which is publicly available via the town’s meeting agenda. 

Discussion continued during the committee meeting regarding the specificity around allowed sizes for monuments allowed within the cemetery. 

Following extensive discussion by the Committee of the Whole, the cemetery bylaw will return before council at a later date, not specified during the meeting, with council’s requested potential amendments accounted for in a new document.