Aug. 13, 2009 - The community of Courtenay, B.C. is enacting a by-law
that will ban memorials from it's cemetery by the end of January 2010.
The decision came about due to both safety and cost concerns. According to a Canada.com article,
the city's mayor, Greg Phelps, says "What
should be a simple matter of maintaining the lawn here is becoming a
very lengthy process. (Grounds crews) try to move things or
else mow around them. Our maintenance costs have gone up as a result."
He tells the reporter that "it's
also to the point of being extremely dangerous. We use a big mower, and
these types of things will send a projectile flying out. I'm not trying
to be flip, but you could maim somebody or actually kill somebody with
a projectile from some of these things."
The new bylaw will allow flat, recessed headstones free from mementos,
flowers or other items protruding from the ground. There will be a
transition period of six-months and the city plans to set up a memorial
garden on cemetery grounds to give families an area to remember loved
ones.
The story has attracted media attention and residents are also speaking out about the bylaw.
Are you in a community where this type of idea is being enacted? Share your thoughts by commenting on our blog.
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