MINTO – Town council has approved a modified plan to install columbaria at cemeteries in Harriston and Palmerston.
Roads and drainage manager Mike McIsaac updated council on the progress of a plan for cremation gardens in Clifford, Harriston and Palmerston during the Aug. 24 meeting.
The original design, approved by council in March, shows three columnar-style columbaria covered with a trellis for Palmerston and a 72-niche columbarium in Harriston.
However, a staff report notes that after reviewing options with supplier Superior Monuments, staff have become aware of additional costs associated with the implementation of a three-columnar style columbaria.
The report notes that due to the initial cost of the units, trellis installation as well as future maintenance and replacements of the trellis make cost recovery for the town unachievable at the current rates for sale.
McIsaac explained staff are now recommending a 72-niche columbarium as the focal point of the Palmerston cremation gardens, which bring a consistent approach to the three primary cemetery locations.
A 72-niche columbarium has been in place at the Clifford cemetery since 2012.
Hexagonal columbaria will be installed at cemeteries in Harriston and Palmerston. Minto council agenda image
McIsaac noted the hexagonal design recommended for the Harriston and Palmerston sites is less expensive than the square design used in Clifford.
“It’s almost $10,000 cheaper than the current one we have up in Clifford, primarily due to the amount of stone which is involved in the square columbarium, as well as the dome cap and the size and weight of that unit,” he explained.
The combined cost for the columbaria, one each for cemeteries in Harriston and Palmerston is $138,460.
The report notes $84,000 remained in the budget for the project from 2020.
A 50% deposit is required by Superior Monuments at the time of order, with the balance due in 2022 at the time of delivery, the report notes.
“This requires additional funding be approved in 2022 in the amount of approximately $54,000 to fully fund this initiative. Staff will ensure this amount is included in the 2022 capital budget request,” the report points out.
Council received the report and directed staff to order the two hexagonal columbaria as recommended.
