Whereas Municipalities in Ontario have been made responsible for abandoned cemeteries within their boundaries, and are required by the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 "to ensure that the cemetery grounds, including all lots, structures, and markers, are maintained to ensure the safety of the public and to preserve the dignity of the cemetery;
And Whereas cemeteries are not only symbols of respect, preserving the memory of families, prominent citizens, and local history; some cemeteries are landmarks in themselves and hold great historical value worldwide;
And Whereas preservation repairs to older cemeteries are very costly, requiring the specialized services of stonemasons and archeologists;
And Whereas the care and maintenance funds of abandoned cemeteries are generally non-existent or so small as to produce insufficient annual interest to cover even the cost of lawn care at the site;
Now Therefore the Council of The Corporation of the Township of North Glengarry hereby Urges the Government of Ontario to immediately provide funding sources for Municipalities for the ongoing maintenance and preservation repair of abandoned cemeteries in their care;
And Further that this Resolution be forwarded to the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, the Minister of Government and Consumer Affairs, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), and local MPP.