Town disentombs cemetery bylaw debate

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore’s local cemetery bylaw is returning to the discussion table, aiming to better align with provincial legislation, as well as to address ongoing operational challenges.

Donna McCallum, operations manager, and Kyla Lawson, accounting services supervisor, presented the proposed draft of the bylaw before the Committee of the Whole, April 8. 

“It has been 12 years since the cemetery bylaw has had an update. Over the past several years, the Town of Strathmore has been working closely with both our internal team and outside partners to make sure our cemetery rules match the Cemeteries Act, and that we follow the best practices found in many other communities,” said McCallum. “While a lot has changed in the 12 years since this bylaw was last reviewed … some of the things are still remaining the same.”

In its newest draft, the bylaw annotates rules pertaining to improved mowing and weed control, grave decorations, metal items such as lights and hooks, glass fixtures, and cleanup schedules. 

Additionally, no permanent plantings such as shrubs or invasive species will be permitted. Annual flowers may be authorized for planting with authorization from the cemetery coordinator.

Significant features such as benches or trees must be approved through an application process.

Debate regarding the bylaw was brought before the Committee of the Whole Oct. 11, 2023, and appeared before the town an additional four times by Sept. 11, 2024.

Focused and efficient administration and maintenance of the cemetery, provision of valuable services and support of respectful, caring and proficient experiences were among the original discussion points.

In following presentations, administration included proposed updates to several definitions of terms outlined, and amendments to several policies.

Third and final reading of the bylaw has been deferred multiple times by council, remaining divisive amongst the previous council and being defeated after debate and recommendations by administration to pass the document.

As of September 2024, administration had noted the town to be not financially sustainable with its cemetery operations, and needing to come into alignment with the Cemeteries Act and Regulations.

“We have heard from the previous town council (and) the public, and feel the new bylaw has a balanced approach. We have had two legal reviews of the various proposed bylaws as well,” explained McCallum. “There have been changes on best practices and some challenges with administration of the cemetery.”

Administrative challenges included revision of business days and holidays for the purposes of burial notification, updates on outdated deed terminology – now called right certificates, and the addition of the columbarium, among other updates to definitions and policies.

The Cemetery Master Plan, last updated in 2019, provides details and analyses into operations of the town’s cemetery. This includes steps for improved planning and budgeting for future expansion, as well as understanding of practices and operations.

“As space becomes limited, we will need to start preparing for a cemetery expansion and acquiring land for a new cemetery, which can take up to 10 years,” added McCallum.

Currently, 2052 people are interred in Strathmore’s cemetery. Grounds maintenance costs average between $40,000 and $50,000 annually.

Feedback from the committee praised the wording of the new bylaw, noting that many previous grievances with drafts had been adequately addressed. 

The draft will return before council to receive third and final reading at a later date.

(With files from the Strathmore Times, Oct. 2023, Nov. 2023, May 2024, Sept. 2024)