In yet another example of people not being able to find a place to stay in Whistler long-term, the Whistler Cemetery has nearly exceeded its capacity and requires expansion to keep up with growing demand.
To address these capacity problems, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has launched a public engagement survey for residents to provide input on a new comprehensive Cemetery Master Plan (CMP), which will take into consideration future expansion needs, additional end-of-life options and align the cemetery with current B.C. legislation.
Created in 1996, most burial space at the graveyard is either already occupied or reserved. The RMOW is expanding the cemetery in the southwest corner this spring to accommodate the rising space demands, but future needs still need to be addressed.
As Whistler ages, the demand for end-of-life services and interment space will continue to rise. According to Statistics Canada, between 2016 and 2021, Whistler's population aged 65 and over doubled from 555 (6.3 per cent of the total population) to 1,265 (nine per cent).
The Whistler Cemetery currently offers four interment options: traditional in-ground burial lots; cremation burial lots; columbarium niches; and a scattering garden. The CMP will review additional options for interment, such as green/natural burials, designed to reduce the environmental impact of tombs; memorial walls; and family columbaria; as well as allowing additional remains to occupy a single burial plot and the creation of a stillborn/infant area.
The survey is open to the public until April 28. Staff will share the input at a June Committee of the Whole meeting. The final draft CMP will come to council for approval in September.
Learn more at whistler.ca/whistler-cemetery-master-plan.
