TAMRMS#: B06
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Cemetery Infrastructure Assessment
Presented by: Anthony Lake, Director, Public Works & Transit Department
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That the April 23, 2019 Agenda Report titled “Cemetery Infrastructure Assessment” be received as information.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
To respond to Council Motion CM-18-076 (see below) by identifying enhancements to the physical appearance and functionality of the St. Albert Cemetery that have recently been made or are planned for the near future.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION
On December 17, 2018 Council passed the following motion:
CM-18-076
That Administration assess the St. Albert Cemetery infrastructure, including but not limited to the entrance, road surface, and benches, compare it to the St. Albert Cemetery Master Plan, and provide recommendations to Council for cemetery maintenance and improvements by April 30, 2019.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The City does not currently have a Cemetery Master Plan but does have a Cemetery Long Term Site Plan, prepared by a consultant in 2014. Some of the content of that document goes beyond the scope of CM-18-076 but there are also recommendations relevant to immediate enhancement to the physical appearance and functionality of the cemetery. These are identified or paraphrased below, with Administration’s comments on what has been done or is planned for the near future in these areas:
1) Take out the existing gate and posts, continue to explore other options for an entrance gate.
• Partially completed in the fall of 2018. Posts will be removed by the end of May 2019.
2) Improve appearance and functionality of entrance area:
• Addition of large seasonal planters on each side of the entrance, as part of the annual flower program. Total of 6 units planned for June 2019
• The gravel road and additional parking space was completed from a Capital Charter in 2017.
3) Create Cemetery Identification Sign (Pylon sign) and Section Signs.
• Signage will be assessed and standardized if required to align with future overall site development
4) Tree Trimming and bed enhancements around the interior entrance feature.
• Planned for May 2019
5) Enhance Cremation Garden area (Prairie Heartland) and add columbarium facilities as part of an initial development phase complete with associated Landscape Treatment of the area.
• A new columbarium was added in the fall of 2018
• Replace the existing 10 benches with new benches. Completed as of April 2019
• Replace trash receptacle inside the front gate. Completed as of April 2019
6) Enhance Field of Honour with feature node
• A headstone feature was added to enhance the Field of Honour Section.
7) Provide appropriate water supply services throughout the developed portions of the cemetery
• Preliminary discussions have occurred with Utilities to bring water service to the site. On Going
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Comments provided by a client at a public Council meeting were considered.
Public Works (maintenance of site)
Legislative Services (sales, administration and program requirements).
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
There is minimal financial impact associated with recent and near future cemetery enhancements, as the current operating budget is sufficient to cover these changes. The replacement of the benches and trash receptacle was covered through a bench replacement fund from another program.
Any further capital requirements will be proposed to Council for consideration through a future project charter.
Legal / Risk:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Council could direct Administration to prepare a more comprehensive strategy to enhance Cemetery utilization and revenue generation opportunities.
Report Date: April 23, 2019
Author: John Potter
Department: Public Works & Transit Department
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble