Cremation popularity prompts mausoleum expansion

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Construction is underway to expand Prince George’s mausoleum at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Last year, council approved the addition of the approximately 1,200 square foot building onto the existing facility, including 860 new glass and marble front niches.

According to the city, the popularity of cremation has grown in Prince George and the facility’s current 500 niches are all occupied.

The expansion project includes an attached building with a shared entrance way and raised timber-frame ceiling; large windows offering abundant natural lighting; enhanced safety features such as improved lighting and security systems; and new burial options, which will include an outdoor columbaria and an environmentally conscious green burial section with a scattering garden and ossuary.

Construction of this new facility will require periodic disruption of access to the mausoleum. The City of Prince George will provide users with notice prior to these disruptions.

The project is expected to be completed by early next year. 

City officials encouraged residents to subscribe to “facility updates and closures” on the city website to keep informed about the project and possible facility closures or changes of hours.