Leeds and Thousand Islands ponders new cemetery bylaw

A new bylaw aimed at modernizing and regulating how burials and plot sales are handled across the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands’ cemeteries is one step closer to reality.

At its May 5 meeting, TLTI council gave first and second reading to a bylaw setting out a comprehensive update required by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO). The township owns and operates 16 cemeteries, four of which are still active and accepting new burials or plot sales.

“This bylaw will apply the township’s general rates and fees to all cemeteries under our umbrella,” said township clerk Michelle Hannah.

The proposed bylaw outlines rules for lot sales, interments, maintenance, and conduct – ensuring alignment with the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act and BAO regulations. It replaces a 2024 version that required revisions after review by the provincial authority.

As part of the next steps, the township must post the bylaw for public notice, circulate it to recent monument suppliers, and display it at cemetery entrances before the BAO can give its final approval. Once that happens, the bylaw will become enforceable.

Earlier this year, council approved the related fee schedule through a separate bylaw. Once this new regulation receives provincial sign-off, staff will develop the necessary forms and contracts for lot sales, transfers, and burials.