By Don Patterson
Staff Reporter
A draft report presented to town council is intended to guide the growth of Okotoks’ cemetery to ensure adequate space for area residents to rest in peace for perpetuity.
“It’s a sobering thought… In 100 years the entire population of the town needs to be buried,” said Dave Robertson, Town operations manager. “We’re at 20,000 now so we need room there for 20,000 people or double it considering the MD’s growth is going to be the same.”
He said a draft of the Cemetery Enhancement Plan, presented at town council’s March 10 meeting, is designed to develop the site to its greatest potential and address future needs for cemetery land.
“Part of what we’re trying to create here is something that is reflective of the entire region, the people who are buried there and creates a memorial,” said Robertson.
Four concepts for the cemetery are included in the report. Among the elements in the plans are an enlarged and improved area for internment of cremated remains, a second access on Westland Street and recovery of sections of road in the cemetery to provide extra land for burial plots.
Robertson said much of the plan involves upgrading the existing road network and establishing parking areas.
According to Robertson, there is about 15 years worth of space remaining in the cemetery. The report recommends the Town consider acquiring 15 acres of land for the cemetery in the future.
“I know it’s in the town of Okotoks, but it really is a facility that services the entire region,” said Robertson.
He said questions for space requirements include cooperation with the MD to look at a new space in the future or whether the Town would need to annex land to the west to expand the cemetery.
Calling the cemetery a monument to the region’s history, he said the Town will ultimately have to maintain it in perpetuity once the cemetery is full and the plan will help to do this.
While the plan includes a parking lot, he said parking will not be limited to that area. Robertson explained the roads will be redeveloped to allow room for parking for hearses during funerals and for seniors or those with reduced mobility visiting loved one’s graves.
He said security elements include cameras, building a centralized parking area and improving access for RCMP and Municipal Enforcement officers.
The Town will hold an open house on the plan on April 24 at The Station Cultural Centre.
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