It will cost you more next year to have a full cremation burial at Moose Jaw’s cemeteries since cremations are now becoming more popular than the traditional casket option.
The parks and recreation department has seen an increase in total cremations during the past five years, according to a department report to city council. In 2015, total cremations were 126; 137 in 2016; 120 in 2017; 142 in 2018; and 82 so far this year.
In comparison, total full caskets burials were 67 in 2015; 53 in 2016; 53 in 2017; 37 in 2018; and 40 so far this year.
“As cremation burials become the more popular burial option, less revenue is being received for the operation of the cemetery,” the report said. “With this trend, it has been necessary to specifically increase the fees for completing cremation interments.”
During its Oct. 28 regular meeting, city council voted 6-1 to approve the proposed cemetery rates for 2020 and have the rates go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
Coun. Brian Swanson was opposed.
Background
The parks department reviews cemetery rates annually and makes suggestions for possible rate changes and how they might affect the budget, the report explained. The review looks at burial trends of full casket versus cremation, cemetery rates compared to other similarly-sized communities, and cemetery recovery rates during the last five years.
Cemetery rates in Moose Jaw have increased steadily during the past 10 years to better align with other Saskatchewan communities and help offset the costs of maintaining and operating the cemeteries.
In 2019, there was a two-per-cent increase across all fee areas, with an additional eight-per-cent increase for cremation burial openings and closing.
There were zero-per-cent increases in 2018 and 2017.
In 2016 and 2015, there were 10-per-cent increases across all fees, with an additional 10-per-cent increase for cremation burial openings and closings.
From 2014 to 2010 there were increases of 10 per cent across all fee areas each year.
Rate changes
The Rosedale Cemetery has seen cremations increase to 71 per cent of all burials during the past five years, compared to 29 per cent for full burials, the report said. This has led to a decrease in general revenue and contributions to the cemetery perpetual care fund since cremations cost less.
Therefore, the parks and recreation department has decided that:
- Adult traditional grave licences will increase to $1,590 next year compared to $1,446 this year;
- Veteran traditional grave licences will go up to $714 from $680;
- Child grave licences will increase to $651 from $620;
- The opening and closing for cremation burials will increase to $331 from $301;
- The cost to open and close for niches at the outdoor columbarium, along with columbarium disinterment, will go up to $139 from $132.
Projected revenue for overall cemetery rates is $250,000 while expenses are $333,694; the parks department expects to recover 75 per cent of all costs spent on the cemetery.
The next regular council meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 12.
