Brookside Cemetery now has an environmentally friendly burial option. Natural burials can be arranged at the site.
“We’ve been receiving more interest in natural burials. It’s something residents want,” said Brett Shenback, Cemeteries Administrator.
Natural burials can be appealing because the burial process is simple. It returns a body to the earth, naturally.
We are pleased to be the first cemetery in the province certified by the Green Burial Society of Canada.
The natural burial section is approximately half an acre. Native grasses, wildflowers, and trees were planted on the site in 2024. Now the vegetation is well established, we are ready to offer burials.
“One of the unique features of this area is that it will be left to naturally evolve over time, with little disturbance,” said Shenback. “We are planning when and where burials will go on the site to ensure the environment is disturbed as little as possible.”
Natural burials follow five key principles:
- No embalming
- Direct earth burial
- Ecological restoration and conservation
- Simple memorialization
- Efficient use of land
“Burial practices are deeply personal and varied,” said Shenback. “The natural burial area at Brookside Cemetery provides another meaningful option for people to consider.”
The natural burials area is within an older, established area of the cemetery along Omand’s Creek.