Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Vernon (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Pete McIntyre

lack of public input

Petition calls for review of new policy at Vernon cemetery

Mar 17, 2023 | 11:00 AM

The City of Vernon is facing a backlash from people opposed to its new policy covering what items can, and can not, be left at gravesites at the city’s cemetery.

An online petition has been posted at change.org by Joseph Langlois who claims there was a lack of public input on the new policy.

“I am asking you to sign this petition so the public and citizens of Vernon can have their say on whether or not [they] can properly mourn their loved ones without the restraints of an ill thought out and incentive plan,” Langlois said.

City of Vernon sign at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. (submitted photo)

The petition had generated over 400 supporters as of 11 a.m. March 17.

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The issue is generating plenty of debate online, with some calling it disrespectful.

“I think this is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Fresh flowers will last a day if we’re lucky under the blazing sun. The cemetery always looked so beautiful and now the city is taking that all away,” wrote one person who agreed with the petition.

“I totally disagree with the council’s decision to stop us honouring our loved ones. My family takes great pride in maintaining our family plot in the old section. We love having our potted plants on display, which we take care of. Brings us such comfort,” wrote another person.

The city’s new policy states that from March 15 to Oct. 15, only fresh cut floral arrangement will be allowed to be placed on plots at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

From October 16 until March 14, potted plants, wreaths, artificial floral arrangements and seasonal floral tributes may be placed on the sites.

All the floral arrangements must be placed in approved tribute holders, which can be purchased through the cemetery office at Vernon City Hall.

As of March 15, non-floral items and tributes, including ceramics, frames and photographs, boxes, baskets or stands, and other trinkets, are no longer be permitted on plots and all items left on the lots were to be removed by March 14.

The city says the change in policy aligns with practices of many cemeteries across British Columbia and Canada, and the changes will mean less risk of injury for caretakers that may strike these objects when operating lawnmowers or other maintenance equipment.

Petitioner Joeseph Langlois feels the policy goes too far.

“If you look at the cities of Merritt, Trail, Salmon Arm and Lakeview Cemetery by the Kelowna Airport, you will see this has resulted in where they look like fields because nothing is allowed. Cut flowers last may one or two days at the most due to our hot climate.”

Vernon Matters reached out to the City of Vernon for comment on the petition.

Christy Poirier, manager of communications for the city, said they understand and respect 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 have been outlined in the Cemetery Management Bylaw and shared with the community,” she said.

Poirier added the city and council appreciate that some residents disagree with the changes.

“The discussion about floral and non-floral items at the cemetery has been before council a number of times recently, and the decision has been made to move forward with recommendations in the Master Plan and the specifics of the Bylaw. The Master Plan and Bylaw were developed with the help of qualified cemetery planning professionals and key stakeholders, using best practices for cemetery management as seen in many other communities across British Columbia and Canada, and take into consideration the safety of the public and cemetery caretakers, maintenance operations and environmental impacts,” Poirier stated.

The Bylaw and Cemetery Master Plan was adopted in 2019, but due to a number of factors, the change to gravesite offerings didn’t go into effect until this year.