Rosetown opts for matching columbarium at cemetery

By Ian MacKay

A fourth columbarium at the Rosetown cemetery will match an existing 20-niche structure following a decision by town council.

Councillors approved the higher of two quotes at their March 16 meeting, selecting a unit priced at $9,870 plus $3,800 for delivery and installation. A lower quote of $7,970 was not chosen because delivery and installation costs were not specified.

Mayor Trevor Hay said matching the existing structure was worth the added cost.

“I thought it was good that it was the same because they’ll be facing each other,” Hay said. “It will cost a little bit more to have them the same.”

Acting chief administrative officer Amanda Bors said consistency was important, noting a concrete foundation for the new columbarium has already been poured.

“It would be nice to pick one and stay with that colour,” she said.

Recreation director Kelli Emmons said installation has varied with past units. In one case, the supplier used a crane to set the columbarium in place, while in another, town staff assembled it.

Bors said the first two columbariums, purchased by the cemetery beautification committee, do not match.

In other business, council approved a 2026 tax rebate for Mobility Assist 4 U under the town’s business beautification policy.

The program provides a $250 tax abatement in the following year for businesses that spend between $1,000 and $2,000 on exterior improvements.

Although the company did not follow the policy requirement to submit plans and estimates in advance to a committee that includes chamber of commerce representatives, councillors approved the rebate.