In 2019, the City of Vernon Cemetery Master Plan and a new Cemetery Management Bylaw #5767 were adopted for the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The Master Plan was developed to enhance the sustainability of the City’s cemetery services and offer an implementation plan for improved cemetery operations, policies and practices.
As part of the implementation of the Master Plan, the City is in the planning process of updating the cemetery irrigation system to improve the operation and efficiency of the system as a whole, as well as areas where there is currently inadequate irrigation.
Beautification projects will soon be underway, with renovations and restorations to the cemetery entrance sign, retaining walls along Pleasant Valley Road, and the entrance road landscaping. Later this year, visitors to the cemetery will also see a new kiosk, which will be installed at the corner of Elm Street and Maple Avenue. The kiosk will provide site information, regulations, and a wayfinding map.
In addition to the Master Plan projects, changes are being implemented regarding floral tributes and other memorial items, in accordance with Bylaw #5767.
These changes align with the operation practices of many cemeteries across British Columbia and Canada, and take into consideration the safety of the public and cemetery caretakers, maintenance operations, and environmental impacts.
The City of Vernon understands and respects the need for families to honour loved ones through the placement of offerings at gravesites. This is part of the grieving and healing process. The City welcomes these tributes, within the regulations and guidelines that are listed below, and which are common in many other communities.
- Between March 15 and October 15: only fresh-cut floral arrangements may be placed on plots.
- Between October 16 and March 14: potted plants, wreaths, artificial floral arrangements, and seasonal floral tributes may be placed on plots.
- All floral arrangements must be placed in approved tribute holders. These holders are available for purchase through the Cemetery Office, located at City Hall.
- Non-floral items (trinkets) placed at an interment site – including but not limited to ceramics, statuary, frames, photographs, glass, boxes, shells, toys, wire screens, baskets or stands – are not permitted on plots and will be respectfully removed.
- In regard to funeral flowers, any type of floral tribute is permitted on the day of the service and for a period of seven days following the interment.
The City recognizes that many artificial or non-floral tributes are currently placed at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. To provide time for families to visit the cemetery and collect items they wish to keep, the City is providing a grace period until March 14, 2023, to remove items that are no longer permitted on gravesites.
After March 14, 2023, in accordance with the bylaw, all items that are no longer permitted will be respectfully removed. The City will also provide public notice each spring and fall, to remind residents of the types of items that may be placed on plots throughout the season.
The City appreciates the public’s understanding as these changes are being implemented at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. For more information, please visit www.vernon.ca/cemetery.
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