Those mementos, flowers, and adornments that have fallen due to the wind, or spilled over the vessel holes have also succumbed to damage from maintenance work.

A Community Working Group was thereby established to look into these matters at the cemetery – their focus being the embellishments on plaques and beams.

And, while families are understandably upset over the rules – put into place last year – regarding embellishments, they are now being invited to return to the cemetery and return their flowers and tokens.

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The Area News spoke with concerned citizen Michael Crump, and Lina Soncin, a staunch advocate for the cemetery, both members of the Community Working Group, who explained the new rules for the cemetery and revealed information concerning an application form to have new vessel holes (or ‘inkwells’ as Mr Crump and Ms Soncin refer) drilled into plot beams at a higher position.

These new holes will mean flowers no longer becoming a hindrance to maintenance workers, nor to the public who may trip over spilled embellishments.

“We want the general public to be fully informed so they can go and put their embellishments up,” Mr Crump said.

“We need the public to know what the new rules and regulations are put in place,” Ms Soncin said.

“I am getting a lot of people coming to me who have loved ones down there, that want to put flowers back.

“They want to put things back – they’re terrified of putting things back – and they want to know what the rules and regulations are.”

Mr Crump and Ms Soncin ran through the new list of rules.

“Embellishments above the plaque are not to be glued on; no higher than 6 inches; not to encroach on any neighbours’ plots; and lights are not to be more than six inches,” Mr Crump said.

Other immediate rule changes are as follows:

And, most importantly, Council is to contact next of kin before any more removals.

“We need the community to know what we’re passing so far – in the management plan,” Ms Soncin said.

“The section of that plan has been passed – it’s been on display for 28 days – it is now a by-law,” Mr Crump said.

The rest of the Management Plan is to go before the Facilities Committee in early June.

“It’s only fair that the public know the rules and regulations put in place,” Mr Crump said.

Currently there is a board up at the cemetery which lists the rules that residents must adhere to, however “it’s out of date”, as Ms Soncin explains.

“When the rest of the Management Plan is to go before the Facilities Committee – when it’s voted on, that’s when the board will be changed.”

Cemetery Management Policy Councillor, Doug Curran, spoke with The Area News.

“The location of the holes isn’t in the best position, but more so the holes are too small,” he said.

“We’ve constructed new beams and placed the holes in better locations.

“However, people who have already buried loved ones – and have lower placed holes – are welcome to place an application.

“Anyone who wants holes re-drilled can notify Council with an application

“And we’ll get it done.”

The application forms are available at Council and no fee is required for the service.