Council has adopted key changes to cemetery regulations, introducing new fees for columbarium nameplates and establishing clearer guidelines for ordering memorials. At the same time, concerns over long-standing non-compliance in the cemetery have prompted discussions about future enforcement.
Cemetery Amendment Bylaw No. 2060, 2024 introduces two new fees for columbarium memorials: one for attaching a photograph to a nameplate and another administrative fee for processing nameplate orders. These fees are intended to streamline the ordering process and cover administrative costs. The bylaw also updates the municipal ticket information section of the Kitimat Municipal Code, setting the groundwork for potential fines related to cemetery regulations.
Council also approved the Cemetery Columbarium Memorial Order Policy, which clarifies the process for ordering nameplates through the District. This policy aligns with the preferences of the company designing the nameplates and ensures consistency and transparency for residents placing orders.
However, concerns about non-compliance in the cemetery were a major point of discussion. During the Nov. 18, 2024, meeting, Councillors Mario Feldhoff and Terry Marleau highlighted the growing issue of memorials that do not meet current regulations. Feldhoff expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement, noting, “This has been dragging on for over 20 years. People have been putting in marble slabs and all kinds of things, and it will be very, very difficult to undo this.” While neither councillor supported issuing fines for existing infractions, they agreed that stricter enforcement should be considered for future violations.
The Better Business Bureau previously raised concerns that the District was not adequately enforcing its own cemetery bylaws. Although the bureau is not pursuing action against the District, it has urged the District to ensure compliance moving forward. Staff acknowledged these concerns and indicated they would present a future report to council with recommendations for addressing non-compliant memorials and potentially developing a cemetery master plan that incorporates community input.
