Cemetery

The City of Merritt operates Pine Ridge Cemetery located at 1675 Juniper Drive, offering traditional in-ground burial for both casket and cremated remains.  We offer services for when a death occurs and accommodate those planning a placement for the future.

Pursuant to City of Merritt Cemetery Bylaw No. 2244:

1. No above ground memorabilia will be permitted after the gravesite has been prepared for turf.
2. Flowers may be placed on graves but may be removed by the “Caretaker” when their condition is deemed by him/her to be detrimental to the beauty of the cemetery. Any non-conforming offerings, wreaths, flowers, fencing, curbs or other devices may be removed by City personnel.
3. The City shall not be responsible for the loss or theft of any offerings.

Guidelines & Restrictions

• No above ground memorabilia will be permitted after the gravesite has been prepared for turf.
• Flowers may be placed on graves but may be removed by the “Caretaker” when their condition is considered by him to be detrimental to the beauty of the cemetery. Any non-conforming offerings, wreaths, flowers, fencing, curbs or other devices may be removed by City personnel.
• The City shall not be responsible for the loss or theft of any offerings.
• No person shall plant, remove, cut down or destroy, any trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, bulbs or rocks in the cemetery other than an employee of the City authorized to do so.
• No above ground memorabilia will be permitted after the gravesite has been prepared for turf.
• Memorial tablets shall not exceed the following sizes:
  • 8”x12” for installation on small grave reserved for the reception of cremated remains or infant burial.
  • 12”x20” for installation on child-size graves.
  • 12”x20” (single size memorial) for installation on an adult size grave.
  • 18”x30” (double size memorial) for installation on an adult size grave, or for installation to embrace two (2) adjacent adult size graves.
  • 12”x20” (double size memorial) for installation to embrace two (2) adjacent cremation graves.
• If a grave is required to be prepared, a minimum of the accumulation of twelve (12) regular working hour’s notice shall be given to the City prior to the time set for the burial. Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory or Declared Holidays shall not be classified as regular working hours.

Memorial Recognition

The City of Merritt recognizes the need to provide a memorial recognition or community enhancement. Individuals, clubs, groups, organizations or businesses can purchase trees or benches in memory of, or as a donation to enhance areas within the City.

Types of Trees Available

Memorial trees with plaques may be planted in the locations as requested by the applicant but will receive final approval by City staff.  Applicants will indicate a second choice of location on the appropriate application.  Application forms are available by contacting the City of Merritt Leisure Services Department at 250-315-1050.

Bench Specifications

• Downtown Core:  Proposed locations of benches must be put before Council for approval prior to installation.
• Other Locations:  The Contoured Park Bench, model number PBC-6, and purchased from Wishbone Industry will be the design of the bench used for any and all locations situated outside the downtown core.  The colour of these benches will be walnut.  The metal hardware will be semi-gloss black, textured black and metallic silver.

Memorial benches, engraved with a personal message, may be placed in the location as requested by the applicant but will receive final approval by Council if the location requested is within the downtown core or by City staff if the request is outside the downtown core.  Applicants will indicate a second choice of location on the appropriate application.