wv cemetery finds unique solution to space problem with new plots built above ground THE CENTURIES-old stump, #\° carpeted with the spongy damp rug of new growth, is a fitting centrepiece to the new addition to the West: Vancouver ceme- ' Ry AP. McCredie News Reporter ‘For a place dedicated to the spir- its‘of the dead, the signs of life abound. . “From the towering trees to the _Tigss-covered stump, -to the birds dipping - into the rock-formed - bird’ baths,... this. wouldn't ‘be a bad - _ place to spend eterni-"- - Built this summer‘at a: . Cost’ of $165,000, -the : above-ground | cre-.. : - (cremated. ‘human reraains) ‘urial .- area’ is in'striking con- rast ‘to: the ‘rolling .. ‘green grass that. makes |. up the cemetery. °" ti Challenged with ‘declining space’ — and ~. municipal, employed were given - he‘task earlier this year. by council of. coming u : With: alternatives to: he traditional full depth interment. - And.as’ often is;the case when. new. ‘solutions ‘are needed for old - problems ‘an old: solution fit the = The: municipality began looking ° nto promoting cremation because the finite space of the rolling lawns "of the cemetery is almost full. “.“Cremation is becoming a real Bullock PARK ROYAL NORTH 922-9321 trend in British Columbia,” said West Vancouver park manager Eric Lees. While many decree that their ashes be spread at a favorite loca-' tion — a ski run or a fishing hole, for example — most people don’t tealize it is illegal to dispose of cre- mated human remains, in such a fashion. In comes Phase | at West Vancouver cemetery. ‘ “Full credit has to go to council for buying into the concept of above-ground burials,” said Lees as he stood in the fading light, staring up at the cathedral-like spires of fir’: and cedar trees that cradle the mar- .. ble columbariams,” Designed by West ‘Vancouver’ architect Bill Pechet, the main fea- tures.of the West Coast-inspired | design:are marble-faced colum- bariams that house the remains. Each plot is a square slab of ‘marble covering a locker. Along with the large rectangular pieces that house 56 lockers each, smaller family “outstations,” designed in an Michele Davies 66 ‘Municipal employees were set to task earlier this year by council to come up with alternatives to the ‘traditional full-depth interment. 99 informal manner similar to the larg- er ones, ring the perimeter, In all there are 580 plots in the newly designed arca. The cost for the immediate use of a single niche (locker) is $1,823.28 (West Vancouver resi- dent) and $2,588.33 (non-resident), The reservation cost for a West Vancouver resident is $1,529.03 ($2,294,08 for non-resident). “We've tried to create a series of outdoor rooms by making defined paths and walls throughout the area,” Lees says of the unique floor plan. Everything about the first phase of the cemetery upgrade is unique. A closer inspection of the numerous nooks and crannies that dot the rocky structure reveals a deeply imbedded mirror here, a couple of wrought- iron grates over there. . “Everyone who was involved in the design and construc- tion of this project really felt challenged, ; and satisfied with the . result,” added Lees. Indeed, a construction force, : bringing together the talents of . municipal workers, the ‘architect and contracted stonemasons, was employed to build the.smooth-river .,Stones and jagged mountain rocks into a lasting memorial. Phase 2 of the above-ground burial design, according to Lees, will be built on the northern-land of the cemetery, probably in the next 10 years. Tiffany Gilmore Month-end Hours: December 24 9am to I2pm December 28-31 9a m to 6pm For all your insurance needs. f TAYLOR WAY | Outside. entrance between Canada Trusi & the Bay PHASE ONE of a stirring set of columbarlums nestied in a tree .. grove at the West Vancouver cemetery offer a centuries-old design concept with a truly West Coast esthetic. The marble | panels at tower left hold the cremains (cremation ashes), while the rock walls create a sense of rooms and corridors in the’ , open-air space. ora Flame Broiled | Bacon Double. Cheeseburger | *Buya Bacon Double Cheeseburger: at the regular price’ and get a second Bacon Double Cheeseburger FREE! ii Lilt ee * Flame Broiled 3 * Flame Broiled Bacon Double Bacon Double a ¥ : H a Cheeseburger Cheeseburger @ Plosse present this coupon halaie ordaring. 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