Cemetery fees on the rise again in Regina

The cost of burials in Regina's two cemeteries may increase again, according to a recommendation going to city council.

If approved, the proposed fees will amount to a 15 per cent increase in rates by 2017 compared to 2014.

City officials have already implemented a five per cent increase for 2015. Another five per cent hike is set to take effect in 2016.

Now, officials are asking city council to OK a further five per cent hike in fees for 2017.

That will lead to a price of $1,575 for a standard plot in either the Regina Cemetery or Riverside Memorial Cemetery. Interment fees will also rise, to $1,090. The city also charges for a number services associated with burials, including surcharges for interments that take place on weekends or regular interments that don't end by 4 p.m.

According to a report going to council, one of the reasons for the fee increase is the need to maintain the cemeteries.

"Limited funding has been allocated to repair and restore existing assets and infrastructure," officials said in their report. "It is vital that the aging infrastructure, of which much is beyond its replacement lifecycle period, be addressed."

In simple terms, the statement from officials indicates that parts of the cemeteries (such as roads, irrigation and turf) have been neglected.