The City of Edmonton was getting lots of press leading
up to Mother’s Day, and not all of it was good. The fuss was over the
E-Memories Service the city launched in all city-run cemeteries seven
years ago. For $65, the city sends someone to your mother’s gravesite
to lay a bouquet in her honour. The city worker also snaps a photo of
the bouquet at the gravesite and the photo is e-mailed to you. Although
the service was intended for those who live far away, the city will do
the same locals as well.
City spokeswoman Jan Archibold told Maclean’s magazine, “What we learned a really long time ago is that everyone grieves differently. And we want to honour that. You can’t just call up a florist and say ‘Could you please deliver flowers to the Beechmount Cemetery, plot No. 32.’ ”
City councillors were divided on whether the service was appalling or wonderful. Coun. Mike Nicol told the Edmonton Sun, “It’s appalling.” He said the service was like paying the city to assuage your guilt.
Coun. Ron Hayter who had only learned about the service from a constituent who wasn’t happy told Maclean’s, “I think it’s a wonderful idea. Government should have a heart too – not just an eye for money.”
When contacted by Canadian Florist for comment, Carmen Linnan, sales supervisor for city cemeteries, thought the negative press may have deterred people from using the service, with only one order being placed for Mother’s Day 2007. She said the service grew out of an innocent call from a loving son or daughter who couldn’t get home for Mother’s Day. The city also offers free carnations for those who visit the cemetery on Mother’s Day.
When asked if the city orders through a local florist Linnan told us they had in the past and were now looking at asking for tenders. Of course, that’s if they get any orders in 2008.
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