$300,000 cemetery upgrade

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The Westsbank Cemetery.

The District of West Kelowna has agreed to spend $300,000 for improvements to the Westbank Cemetery.

Council approved the expenditure for construction of mausoleums, columbariums (a building to hold cremated remains) , bases and wheelchair ramps as part of the district's Westbank Cemetery Strategy.

The cemetery on Elliott Road contains 1,101 plots. Currently, only 63 adult plots remain available.

The cemetery strategy was designed to increase its life and make the facility a self-sustaining operation.

Several consultations revealed a public interest in purchasing columbarium niches and mausoleum crypts.

The district has decided to construct three mausoleums and three columbariums for sale to the public.

Revenue generated will be put toward cemetery improvements and capital construction.

Future plans for the 8.2 acre site include improving the landscaping, creating a green cemetery.

The district will borrow the funds from Reserves for Future Expenditures.