Due to diminishing space for interments, Chatham-Kent is looking to expand one of its oldest cemeteries.
With around 370 burials and cremation-based interments taking place annually at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham, CK administration estimates there are only four years of available burial inventory remaining within the 80-acre property.
As a result, administration is recommending that council approve the purchase of 10 acres of land north of the cemetery for $600,000 to allow for expansion. The land, which is currently being used for agricultural purposes, is owned by Joseph O’Neill.
The new parcel of land would extend the current cemetery lifespan by 30-35 years, depending on cemetery burial trends.
Located at 55 Maple Leaf Drive in Chatham, Maple Leaf Cemetery was established in 1871 and contains more than 70,000 burial sites. As of May 28, there are 880 remaining adult graves available across 1.2 acres of undeveloped land.
Chatham-Kent Council will vote on the expansion plan during its meeting on Monday.
