Cemetery Regulations
Holy Trinity Anglican Cemetery
Supporting the Parishes of Holy Trinity and St-Andrew’s
Preamble:
The regulations concerning the operation of the Holy Trinity Cemetery are based on the Canons of the Diocese of British Columbia and provincial statutes derived from the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act of British Columbia and the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and are enforced by the Holy Trinity Cemetery Board. In all cemetery related activities, the decision of the Cemetery Board is final.
Cemetery Board:
The Cemetery Board is to have representation from both parishes and, as a minimum, shall consist of a Sexton, a Treasurer and one of the incumbents of either Holy Trinity or St-Andrews. Ideally, it should also consist of one other parishioner from each of Holy Trinity and St-Andrew’s. The Board shall endeavour to meet at least twice in a calendar year, for which minutes shall be kept. The most current financial statements of the Board are to be presented as an addendum to each parish’s AGM statements.
Plot Assignments, Interments and Markers:
1. Cemetery plots
Plots are provided only for the interment of cremated remains generally known as ashes. The Sexton, on behalf of the Board, assigns plots in consultation with a family representative and deals with the administration of plot assignment, the interment process, marker sizes and shapes and receipt of payment. Plot sizes are determined by the Section in which the plot resides. Because Section 4 was originally designated for burials which are scattered throughout the Section, each of the remaining burial plots were converted to 6 cremation plots oriented in an East-West direction. Sections 5 and 6 were created out of open space in Section 4 and restrict the size of each plot.
Section 4: 32" W x 21”H
Sections 5 and 6: 12” W x 12”H 2
Each plot is intended for the interment of one set of human remains. In addition, the ashes of up to six close relatives may be interred over an existing occupied burial plot.
2. Purchasing the Right to Inter
a. Purchase - Available plots are assigned as a Right to Inter upon purchase by contributing parishioners of Holy Trinity or St Andrew's. A contributing parishioner is defined as someone who has recently contributed in some capacity to the spiritual, community and/or financial well-being of either parish. The Right to Inter is also extended to family members of those already interred or buried in the cemetery. The fees for the Right to Inter are set by the Cemetery Board and published as a Fee Schedule. Payment for the Right to Inter is to be made when the plot is reserved and registered.
b. Exceptions - The incumbent or priest-in-charge of either Holy Trinity or St-Andrew’s is the approving authority for extraordinary requests for a plot.
c. Return of Plots to the Cemetery Board - Plots that are no longer required may be returned to the Cemetery Board by the purchaser or a designated survivor in exchange for a tax receipt in the amount of the original purchase price.
3. Interment of Ashes
Each interment must have a graveside committal performed by the incumbent or priestin-charge of either Holy Trinity or St-Andrew’s or by a person authorized by either. Each interment must be recorded in the Cemetery Register.
4. Maintenance of a Plot
The maintenance of individual or family plots is the responsibility of representatives of the deceased. The Cemetery Board may authorize plot and/or marker remediation at the Board’s expense for plots which are considered a hazard and pose a risk of personal injury around the plot.
5. Markers etc.
The approval of the Sexton is required for the installation of plot markers, curbing or plantings on plots. The recommended size of marker stones for each Section is as follows:
Section 4: single 14” W x 12” H double 22" W x 12" H These may be flat or of the pillow-top type and may rest on concrete slabs.
Sections 5 and 6: single 10” W x 12”H double 20” W x 12” H These are to be flat and no more than 3” thick and are not to rest on a concrete slab.
Current non-conforming features of markers shall remain, but any improvements or changes require prior approval. Markers are to name the person(s) whose remains are interred in the plot. With permission, other persons may be named in memoriam, but an indication must be made that their remains are elsewhere, and these names registered as such.
6. Decorations
Artificial flowers or decorations and wooden markers are not desired in the cemetery. Adornments considered unsightly in the cemetery will be removed.
Grounds Maintenance:
The maintenance of all of the non-occupied plots and grounds within the Cemetery remains the responsibility of the Board. The Board, through the Sexton, will arrange to keep the Cemetery grounds irrigated and drained properly, kept free of debris, have the grass cut and have trees and shrubbery tended to when needed.
November 2023