Changes coming to floral tributes, memorial items at Vernon cemetery

Feb 15, 2023 | 12:55 PM

Changes in the regulations for leaving memorial items or floral tributes at Vernon’s cemetery take effect in less than a month.

Starting March 15, only fresh cut floral arrangement will be allowed to be placed on plots at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

Effective October 16, and until 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, which can be purchased through the cemetery office at Vernon City Hall.

Non-floral items and tributes, including ceramics, frames and photographs, boxes, baskets or stands, and other trinkets will no longer be permitted on plots.

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Any type of floral tribute is permitted on the day of a funeral service and for a seven-day period following the internment.

The City of Vernon stated many artificial flowers and other tributes are in place at the cemetery and asks people to remove them from the graves. All items left on plots will be removed March 14, 2023.

The city says the change in policy aligns the Pleasant Valley Cemetery with operation practices of many cemeteries across British Columbia and Canada.

The changes will also mean less risk of injury for caretakers that may strike these objects when operating lawnmowers or other maintenance equipment.

by Liam Verster

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