It's cheaper to die in Battleford than in North Battleford.
Battleford Town Council increased its rates for cemetery plots and services Monday. It's the first time they've been raised since 2004, but they're still cheaper than North Battleford's.
A full plot in Battleford's cemetery is now worth $500 to a resident. A non-resident plot is $900, the same price as a resident lot in North Battleford.
The cost for opening and closing the lots is also less. Battleford charges $500, resident or non-resident. North Battleford charges $700 and $750. Both charge extra for weekends, holidays and overtime.
Across the board, Battleford's rates are less. In fact, it's even cheaper to be exhumed in Battleford.
But that doesn't mean everybody is dying to get into Battleford's cemetery.
As Battleford mayor Derek Mahon said, they've had complaints regarding the upkeep of the cemetery.
He did point out, however, that with water services being installed for the new commercial area nearby, perhaps the cemetery, or at least parts of it, could be serviced as well.
As for the rates, Councillor David George, chair of the municipal services committee, said the rates have only been amended by the amount needed to "stay in the business," so to speak.
