The lifespan of the Lakeview Cemetery could be extended for another 20 years under a $2.5-million "columbarium" proposal, given initial support from Penticton city council. The columbarium is an above ground complex with 1,655 niches for cremation ashes, plus 36 full mausoleum units for caskets, and an ash scattering garden known as an ossuary. It also incorporates a chapel, central fountain, children’s garden and handicapped access. John Penrice, the city’s parks supervisor, said the columbarium garden will be located at the southeast corner of the cemetery off Lower Bench Road and would enhance its park-like setting. "Our cemetery is a gem," he said. "The views from our cemetery are outstanding, in terms of cemeteries across Canada." Penrice said since the columbarium allows for a much greater number of interments than traditional burials, it is expected to extend the longevity of the cemetery. "In the next seven to 10 years, Lakeview Cemetery will be at capacity, unless intervention in the form of creating additional space for full burials and cremation interments takes place," he said. "The columbarium garden will provide ash interment space through to year 2027." Lakeview Cemetery currently includes a 90-niche columbarian built in 2002, which is now 85 per cent filled and will be incorporated into the new design. Bill Everden, a local funeral service operator, said Tuesday there is a growing demand for columbarium services. "Some people have a ’thing’ about being buried in the ground," he said. "That’s a lot of times why they’ve chosen cremation. They like the idea of being above ground." Everden noted even some smaller cemeteries, such the one in Keremeos, have built columbariums. About 85 per cent of funeral services now involve cremation. The cost for a columbarium niche is about $2,100--roughly twice the cost of an in-ground cremation plot for four urns with a marker. Mausoleum units are much more expensive. The city’s business plan for the columbarium anticipates total revenue of $5.3 million over 26 years to cover debt servicing and operating expenses. A net profit of $372,000 is forecast, which will be directed towards future improvements at the cemetery. Council voted unanimously to proceed with plans to borrow the funding required for the complex, subject to voter approval through the counter-petition process. At least 10 per cent of eligible voters must sign a petition form at City Hall by July 16 to block the proposal. It’s expected the project would result in an initial tax increase of just under one per cent to build the facility. Coun. Dan Ashton voiced some concerns over the tax impact of the project, noting there is already a tax lift of up to two per cent on the books for next year. Penrice said it is much more cost effective to build the columbarium rather than for the city to purchase more land for a new cemetery. Final design work has already been completed and the project is ready to go to tender.
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