Public works director Norm Fisk is tired of sinking gravesites in Minto.
So councillors here have hiked fees for burials done without concrete vaults; a decision that followed the recommendation of the town’s public works committee.
The decision amends the cemetery tariffs and implements a $200 fee if a vault is not used for burial.
Mayor David Anderson said there was a fair amount of discussion on the subject at the committee.
Fisk explained that a few years ago, Minto tried to get a bylaw to make burial vaults mandatory, but that approach was not allowed.
“We’re trying to go about it a different way,” Fisk said.
He added there are issues when vaults are not used.
Fisk also said apparently one of the “green” initiatives these days involves not embalming the body.
“Less of an environmental footprint,” said Anderson. “A vault is so nice and neat. You set it in the ground, fill it, cover it, put some grass seed on it and it’s good to go.”
But, if the burial involves just a casket lowered into the ground, the ground continues to sink over the grave as the ground settles. As a result, more upkeep is needed.
“This is one way of paying for that [extra upkeep],” Fisk said.
