Stony Plain's municipal cemetery nears completion

STONY PLAIN---- A recent update was provided on the completion of Stony Plain's municipal cemetery during this week's council meeting.

2025 saw the completion of the cemetery sight shaping, road parking lot, trail paving, and the installation of the columbarium.

The Alberta cemetery certificate was obtained in January for the opening of the site.

"2026 construction finalization includes surveying the flat pinning turf seating which will start in the spring once the ground is thawed, and design installation of a scattering garden that must be completed," said Paul Simons, Manager of Infrastructure Operations.

The scattering garden is a designated space intended to be used for the scattering of cremated remains. It is expected to open in July.

The cemetery will offer different kinds of burial plots including standard, monument, flat marker, and green burial.

"Green burials offer an environmental sensitive approach that allow for a natural return to earth with a minimum impact on the land," said Paul Simons, highlighting the benefits of the environment friendly plots.

Stage one of the opening will include 370 cemetery plots and 120 columbarium niche locations.

The cemetery opening and sales will follow a three tiered approach. 

Tier one will begin in May and include sales and niches related to columbarium niches and family columbarium plots.Tier two will commence in July with the completion of the scattering garden.Tier three will take place in September and allow for burial within all plot types.

The cemetery sales documents and marketing strategy will be available to the public in late April.

"Our goal is to provide an aesthetically pleasing place of memory where families and the broader community can connect with the past, honor legacies, and find peace," said Paul Simons.