WESTLOCK COUNTY – The county has enough cemetery space for at least another 30 years before risking running out of space, Westlock County council heard during its committee of the whole meeting on Oct. 8.
Approximately 10 or fewer cemetery plots are created a year at all of its sites, said agriculture and environmental services coordinator Kevin Trueblood.
“It’s not an immediate crisis.”
He suggested councillors keep the issue in the back of their minds for future capital budget discussions. One option would be to purchase land for cemetery expansion.
“By far that’s the most costly option,” he said.
Another alternative is more above-ground columbariums, which are structures that accommodate urns containing cremated remains. In addition, the county could create designated spaces for the spreading of ashes, since more people are choosing cremation, Trueblood said.
The cemeteries in Westlock County include Halach Cemetery, Shoal Creek Cemetery, Tawatinaw Cemetery and Pickardville Cemetery.
