It is going to cost people more to be buried in the City-operated cemetery following a unanimous decision of Yorkton Council Monday.

“Administration reviews fees and charges for the Cemetery every year and brings forward recommended changes for Council approval. Since increasing fees and charges requires changes to The Cemetery Bylaw, the Bylaw is also reviewed to ensure it accurately describes the intention of the current operation,” explained Darcy McLeod, Director of Community Development, Parks and Recreation with the City.

The biggest change will be an increase in plot fees.

“Fees and Charges are being recommended to increase three per cent in each year of 2013 through 2016,” offered McLeod.

There were however some exceptions to the increases;

• Columbarium fees will remain the same as 2012 in order to act as an incentive to purchase.

• Monument permits will remain the same after 2013.

• The fibreglass vault handling fee has been included in the plot purchase price. A vault is required for all casket interments and the funeral homes have asked that we include it in our plot purchase as it simplifies the plot purchase process.

McLeod noted as well “The Community Development, Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed the proposed Cemetery Fees and Charges at their February 12, 2013 Committee meeting and concurred with Administration’s recommendation.”

Since “there are not any provisions in The Cemeteries Act, 1999 or the Cemeteries Regulations, 2001 that require public notice be provided prior to giving all three readings of a Cemetery Bylaw. Therefore, Council could provide all three readings of this Bylaw at the March 11, 2013 Council meeting,” said McLeod the bylaw was given all three readings Monday.