Cost of dying continues to rise in township

Costs associated with dying continue to rise for Guelph-Eramosa residents.

On April 2, for the second time in two years, council approved a significant hike in fees at the Rockwood cemetery, where services are  under contract to Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

As of May 1, the excavation price of a full-size interment will rise more than 10% to $875 from $795.

Cremation ground interments will cost $450, up over 15% from $390. And the cost to purchase a full size grave plot will rise 8% to $1,300 from $1,200.

“The price change is to cover the increased costs of excavation,” clerk Janice Sheppard said in her report to council.

In 2010, the township approved a 14% increase for full-size interments, and a 26% increase for cremation burials. Sheppard told council the cost for grave plots in the cemetery had not increased since 2005.

Last year, council passed a new fees and services bylaw that doubled the cost (from $10 to $20) for burial permit fees for residents of the municipality. Those from outside the township had those fees rise from $15 to $20.

Sheppard said the 2012 cemetery increases were proposed by Woodlawn manager Paul Taylor.

Councillor Doug Breen asked how the prices at the Rockwood cemetery compare to other locations.

Parks and recreation manager Robin Milne said even with the  increased prices in 2012, costs at the Rockwood cemetery are still substantially lower than those at Woodlawn.

Council unanimously approved the 2012 increases.