4.5 Tillsonburg Cemetery
The Tillsonburg Cemetery is the only active cemetery in the Town. The Pioneer Cemetery operated from 1830 - 1870, and is now a historic site. The Tillsonburg Cemetery features mature trees, gardens, seating areas, burial plots (including the option for green burial) and columbaria (see Figure 4-6).
Columbaria and Scattering Grounds Columbariums offer a range of benefits (e.g., sheltered areas for visitations, affordability, etc.) for those seeking a unique and dignified way to memorialize their loved ones. The Town has noted an increase in request for columbarium niches, and is responding by adding more columbaria, and keeping wait lists. Columbaria are also space-efficient, making efficient use of land resources. To enhance future columbarium additions in the Cemetery, the Town should focus on implementing an indoor/outdoor style in their designs. This style combines the benefits of being sheltered and protected while maintaining a connection to the outdoors, providing visitors with a comforting and contemplative space. It is also essential to include comfortable seating in the area, allowing visitors a peaceful and restful space for reflection. The option for fixtures at each niche to leave flowers, photos, or other mementos creates a personal touch, allowing families to celebrate the lives of their dearly departed in a tangible and meaningful manner. In designing future columbarium and burial areas, the Town should provide a variety of columbarium types, seating types, arrangements of seating, and pathways, to add uniqueness to different resting areas, and offer a variety of choices. Safety and security is also a concern, and lighting should be provided. Scattering gardens can be incorporated around the cemetery where residents are invited to lay their loved ones cremains to
4.5.1 What We Heard
• There is growing interest in cremation as a burial method. Columbariums are also gaining popularity, and the Town needs to provide more to support interest • Suggestion for providing a variety of designs and configurations of columbariums to provide more choice, and a more visually appealing landscape • Additional parking and road paving are needed to support visitors for celebration of life events • Additional accessibility considerations are needed. Accessibility should include more than wheelchairs, but consider walkers, cane, and walking distances • Green burial options are available in Tillsonburg, and can offer a more affordable option relative to neighbouring municipalities/towns • Aesthetic maintenance of Tillsonburg cemeteries is a primary concern/area for improvement. More investment in planning and designing the cemetery with beautification in mind is critical
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Town of Tillsonburg | DRAFT Parks and Recreation Master Plan
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