Private Cemetery Support Framework

The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of South Huron approved a Private Cemetery Support Framework on February 3, 2025. 

This framework establishes guidelines and procedures for the consistent handling of requests and distribution of financial support for non-municipally owner cemetery within the geographic boundary of the Municipality of South Huron. 

South Huron Council has allocated $15,000.00 for the Private Cemetery Framework in 2025. 

Eligibility 

1. The application must be completed by the cemetery group, association or volunteer(s) representing the collective interests of the cemetery. 
2. The cemetery must be registered with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) and provide their licence number on the application, and if they are an active cemetery must have current by-laws. 
3. Active and Inactive cemeteries located within the municipality are eligible to apply. 
4. No more than 50% of the available funds may be requested on an application. 
5. Applications will be received for general operational expenses such as grass cutting, insurance, surveys, record management system, monument stabilization, and general maintenance. Applications for the purchase of capital items (including but not limited to purchasing columbariums, mausoleums, purchasing land) for the cemetery will not be considered under this program. 
6. Applicants must demonstrate the need for financial assistance through the provision of bank statements and/or financial records establishing the state of the current financial position of the cemetery. 
7. Applications must be completed and include all information requested as well as contain adequate explanation regarding the use of the funds being requested. 
8. A follow-up report, that detains the accomplishments and includes an accounting of revenues and expenditures, shall be submitted to the Municipality by February 28th of the following year. 

Application Process 

Cemetery Support Applications must be recieved by the Clerk on or before February 28th of each year. 

The amount of Cemetery Support approved though the annual operating budget will be distributed to the eligible applicants as follows: 

1. Base allocation of $300 per eligible cemeteries that apply by the submission deadline. 
2. Following which, the approved annual budget amount less the total base allocation would be divided and distributed based on the percentage of acres of land in each cemetery. Acres of land to be verified by Staff. Any leftover funds would be included in a further calculation for distribution. 

Please note that the Municipality, at its sole discretion, may decline or reject any Cemetery Support Application for any reason, including but not limited to, improper use of funds, incomplete or late application, and/or an application that contradicts the intent of the Cemetery Support Framework. 

Reporting

Cemetery Support recipients must submit a follow-up report that details the accomplishments and includes an accounting of revenues and expenditures by February 28th the following year. 

Private cemeteries are encouraged to complete the application form and report form online. If you require a paper copy please contact cemetery@southhuron.ca