The municipal Cemeteries By-law details cemetery rules for the grounds, graves, and activities. The goal is to preserve the dignity of the cemetery and maintain a high standard for the public.
A new Cemeteries By-law 2025-156 was passed by City Council on November 3, 2025. The by-law will become effective once approved by the Registrar, Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act (Bereavement Authority of Ontario).
By-law amendments include:
- Creation of a natural burial section in New Greenwood Cemetery;
- A reduction of interment capacity for full graves from six cremations each to four cremations each;
- Restriction of tree species planted by families to cedar trees;
- Regulations regarding traditional Indigenous grave markers (“spirit houses”); and
- Grammatical edits.
FAQ
What is the capacity and type of interment allowed per grave?
One full body per grave (no double-depth); no cremated remains.
What type of container is used, in lieu of a traditional casket?
A cloth shroud (wrapped around the body), made of biodegradable materials,coupled with a base with handles. The base and handles are typically available inwicker materials, being biodegradable. If a casket-style container is used, it must bebiodegradable, and not contain glues, metals, varnishes, paints, etc. The body mustremain, in appearance and handling, dignified and protected.
What is the size of the grave?
The grave is 48 inches wide x 120 inches long, and 48 inches deep. Ground coverover the interred body must be no less than 24 inches.
How is the grave dug, filled, and maintained?
The grave is opened and closed with a backhoe, as with traditional ground burials.The grave top will self-level, and remain undisturbed, allowing grasses, indigenousflowers, etc., to grow. All plantings will be performed by City staff (Greenhouse staffand cemetery employees).
May I plant trees and/or flowers on/near the grave?
No. The graves will remain in a natural state, with all plantings done by City staff, asper point 4.
Will trees be planted atop the graves?
No, unless cases of wild growth occur. At any rate, cemetery staff will assess the tree, case-by-case, to ensure protection of the natural section.
How will each grave be marked?
Each grave will be mapped by the cemetery staff in permanent record, ensuring the location is accurate and known. Monuments, markers, adornments, flowers, etc., will not be permitted at the grave.
The front of the natural section will have a central plaque installed, where families may elect to purchase a small name plate. The plaque, with its list of names, will correspond with the layout of the graves, aiding families in locating their loved ones in future.
May I select and purchase a grave preneed (ahead of death)?
No. The rights to a natural grave may be purchased ahead of time, however not selected. This is for a few reasons: (1) each grave is selected in succession on the grounds, to ensure that burials are left undisturbed (from backhoe, foot traffic, etc.). (2) If the circumstances of death require special care, e.g., more secure container, embalming, recommendation for cremation, etc., the grave may need to be traditional, as it would not subscribe to a natural burial as defined by our community. If rights were purchased in the natural section, the Clerks Office and cemetery staff would act quickly to recommend and provide another suitable (traditional) grave. Fees would remain unchanged: only the grave coordinates, mapping and contract location would be updated.
How many graves are planned in this section? Are other cemeteries being considered for natural sections?
64 graves are mapped—with more land available to the west. In the coming years, other cemeteries may be researched for natural burial capacity. Examples would be Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Pine Grove Cemetery.