- by Jody Johnson, Assistant Editor
There is push for a natural burial cemetery in Grey Highlands.
The Municipality of Grey Highlands is seeking input on a request to establish a stand-alone Natural Burial Cemetery on a 100 acre parcel in Grey Highlands. Council will consider the natural burial cemetery request at the June 16 council meeting.
Grey Highlands resident Sara Benjamin is behind the idea. "I see a natural burial cemetery as something that I am offering the whole community. Several groups, especially environmental groups, have been tremendously helpful in getting the word out," says Benjamin. There's an expansive privately owned property near Metcalfe Rock in Grey Highlands, where a natural burial ground could be situated within the bucolic meadowed and woodland landscape.
In cooperation with The Natural Burial Association, Benjamin is looking to increase awareness about this valuable end of life option, and to strengthen support for this idea. Those in support can sign up to register their support at https://naturalburialassociation.ca/sign-up/. Every sign-up counts as a vote for a natural burial ground.
"As you can imagine, establishing a cemetery is a complicated endeavour," says Benjamin. "Before I made a presentation to the council, I was in touch with the Natural Burial Association and this organization has been a great resource. Their mandate is to foster the creation of natural burial cemeteries in Ontario."
Natural burial returns the body to the earth in a protected green space so the body can contribute to the earth’s renewal. The body is buried in a biodegradable casket or shroud in a natural burial ground. There is no embalming and no vault surrounding the casket. The body will be placed a minimum of 2 feet beneath the surface as required by law. Those laid to rest in a green burial ground do not have grave markers above each plot, however there will be a communal marker such as a wood wall or large rock with names engraved.
Residents can write to the municipality at clerk@greyhighlands.ca or mail in their comments on the proposal. The deadline for submissions in June 4, 2021.
"The idea has tremendous merit," says Benjamin. "Seeing people embrace the idea and offer their voice to make it happen is heartening."
