Discussions

Our city cemetery, situated on 18th Street south was established in 1906, and was probably way out of town at the time.  
 
It is estimated by Mr. Rick Bailey, Director of public works, that it will be at its maximum capacity in five or six years.  
 
Land is available for purchase adjacent to the current site for an estimated cost of between $750,000 and $1 million.  
 
An alternative site is on the North Hill adjacent to the old BMH centre, and the estimated purchase of that land to be from $2 million and $2.5 million.  
 
Why, in this day and age do we need to use large plots of land to bury a person, when after Cremation their remains can be either scattered to the winds, or over a small garden?  
 
Do we need to intern the likes of Mayor Dave or Councillor Black for 50 years so that in the future some Acting group can continue the popular event known as the Cemetery Walking Tour?  
 
To be cost effective I think the suggestion of the use of a Columbarium would be ideal. When placed in a small chamber with a plaque on the outside, the Cremated remains, and memory of the deceased will be accessible to relatives, and friends.  
 
It would also require minimal maintenance as compared to an expanded graveyard.  
 
The Calgary Crematorium Columbarium  
 
http://www.calgarycolumbarium.com/  
 
Pet Cemeteries:  
 
As for a Pet Cemetery, I am not in favour of a Publicly funded Pet Cemetery, but many people grieve the loss of their family Pet and wish to have “Fluffy” interned in a tangible location.  
 
Communal Burial  
 
Many pet cemeteries offer this less costly option. Your pet's dignity is in no way affected by burial with other animals. Communal burial is a common choice.  
 
Communal Cremation  
 
In areas where land is expensive, Communal Cremation is a sensible alternative. Many pet cemeteries have their own crematoriums. Many pets are cremated during the same cycle: your pet's dignity is in no way affected by cremation with other animals. This is the least expensive method of disposition.  
 
Individual or Private Cremation  
 
Individual/Private cremation of your pet will allow you to take time to select a ‘Final’ disposition for you pet's remains. Remains may be buried, stored in a Columbarium at a pet cemetery, scattered in a favourite spot, or kept at home in a decorative urn. These options are more costly than communal cremation.  
 
Home Burial  
 
It is not uncommon for pet owners to bury their pets somewhere on their own property, but you should check with your municipal government before making such arrangements. Typically, home burial is permitted in rural and suburban settings. A non-biodegradable or self-vaulting container will help safeguard your pet's remains.  
 
In Memoriam  
 
One way to soften the impact of your pet's loss is to make a donation to a pet cemetery in your pet's memory. If the final disposition of your pet's loss was out of your control there are ways to still memorialize its memory. A memorial plaque combined with a landscape feature such as:  
flowering trees, hanging flower baskets, statuary or benches will help finalize the grieving process, and provide a place for you, and your family to visit from time to time.  
 
A maybe better method of remembering a pet is to post the death of “Tiger” on a Virtual Cemetery, where you can give details of your Pet, and record your feelings on the anniversary of his or her departure.  
 
Source:  
 
http://www.iaopc.com/pageDisplay.jsp?pageid=12620  
 
http://www.pets.ca/index-cemetery.html