Over the last four years, burial costs at the Rockwood Cemetery have increased at least 30 per cent – but officials say the price is still reasonable compared to other cemeteries.
On March 25 Guelph-Eramosa council approved increasing the excavation cost for a full-size interment 4% to $910 and the cost for a cremation interment 3% to $465.
“The price change is to cover the increased cost of excavation,” said CAO Janice Sheppard.
She told council the request came from Paul Taylor, the manager of Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, which holds the contract for burials at the Rockwood Cemetery.
“Mr. Taylor is proposing the rate change take effect as of April 1,” Sheppard said.
Council unanimously approved the new fees, which represent increases of 30 and 50% respectively since 2009 for full-size and cremation interments.
However, parks and recreation director Robin Milne said the rates are still lower than those for other cemeteries in the area.
The fees at the Rockwood Cemetery for the last five years are as follow:
– 2009: $700 for full-size and $310 for cremation burials;
– 2010: $790 for full-size and $390 for cremations;
– 2011: $795 for full-size, $390 for cremation;
– 2012: $875 and $450; and
– 2013: $910 and $465.
