Photo: coldstream.ca

The cost of dying recently went up in Coldstream.

The price of cemetery lot has gone up from $835 to $1,355 for Coldstream residents. Non-residents pay more, however, with those fees jumping from $1,105 to $2,245.

The increases went into effect this month, and include a cremation cemetery lot going from $250 to $410 for residents, and from $365 to $655 for non-residents.

A staff analysis of rates over the past five years found the district has subsidized the costs, and recommended a move to costs primarily being covered by user fees and charges.

During that time, a marked trend toward cremation was noted, with 67 per cent choosing cremation over burial.

Burials are expected to continue their decline, but overall demand is expected to increase as the baby boom generation passes on.

The study also found that, on average, Coldstream's cemetery rates were 60 per cent lower than other jurisdictions in the region.

The increases also apply to the costs of interments, grave markers and other services.