KENILWORTH – The Mount Forest Cemetery is set to expand its hours at the beginning of April due to an increased demand for services.
The township will also be entering into an agreement with Owen Sound Vault Works for burial services and interments. The manufacturing company of burial vaults and services supplies funeral homes in and around Grey and Bruce counties.
An investigation into the cemetery hours began at a Dec. 2 meeting, when council directed staff to explore the feasibility of expanding hours of operation for burials.
Currently all Mount Forest Cemetery burials take place between the hours of 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday, and between 9am and 12pm on Saturday. Funerals are not permitted on Sundays, statutory holidays, Easter Monday and Remembrance Day.
Before council came to a decision on the agreement, staff presented members with three options at a Feb. 24 meeting:
- option one: contract out all burials;
- option two: hire an additional public works position; and
- option three: continue with the same schedule.
“I’m in favour of option two,” stated councillor Penny Renken. “It certainly has a lot more pros than it does cons.”
She noted the job may include additional work and expenses, but “it’s of benefit to our residents.”
Councillor Steve McCabe didn’t want to make a decision without knowing the up-front cost.
Township chief administrative officer Brooke Lambert explained option one was recommended by staff as it lies in the existing approved 2025 budget.
“There’s no changes to our fees in the fees and charges bylaw,” added Lambert.
Option two would include developing a full-time position with the rate of about $90,000, which equals to the rate of the township’s roads operator.
“That gives us a little bit more flexibility in terms of the work that we would have the individual do,” Lambert said.
Option three has no cost associated with it as hours would stay the same.
Lambert clarified Owen Sound Vault would only be used for burials, allowing funeral services to occur later in the day.
Municipal staff would continue to mark graves for openings and contracted staff would dig and back fill. Staff would also continue other operations including monument maintenance, grass cutting, weed trimming and tree canopy maintenance.
The hours will be extended to have graveside services on Saturdays as late as 1pm and weekday graveside by 3pm.
The Mount Forest Cemetery is located at 411257 Southgate Rd. 41, just off Sligo Rd. E.
After deliberation, council received the report for information, and directed staff to enter into the agreement.
Staff are to report to council in November on the opportunities and challenges in contracting out the services.
