Cemetery Master Plan Fact Sheet

CEMETERY MASTER PLAN

The City is seeking input on the future of cemetery services in Delta and on the proposed plans for the Boundary Bay and North Delta cemeteries. Residents are invited to contribute to the creation of a Cemetery Master Plan which will guide investments in interment and memorial services for the next 25 years. Read this fact sheet to learn more about the work and opportunities to get involved. Feedback will be collected through to November 30, 2025.

CEMETERIES NEAR CAPACITY

Delta’s cemeteries have long been places of remembrance and connection. Boundary Bay Cemetery in Tsawwassen has been part of Delta since 1891, while North Delta Cemetery, established in 1909, has served generations of families. Today, Boundary Bay is nearing capacity, and families are seeking more diverse ways to celebrate and memorialize their loved ones. The Cemetery Master Plan looks at Boundary Bay and North Delta Cemeteries together, ensuring residents continue to have choices.

The proposed plan focuses on expanding burial services at North Delta including new green burial spaces, while Boundary Bay shifts toward more cremation and memorial offerings. Construction of additional inventory in Boundary Bay will occur in phases to allow for minimal impacts and to maintain access by users.

PROPOSED BOUNDARY BAY CEMETERY PLAN

Phase 1

• Develop a cremation garden, including small columbaria, woodland scattering garden, memorial wall, and cremation lots (if space allows).

Phase 2

• Add seating and gathering areas.

• Plant hedges and trees along the perimeter to increase privacy.

• Convert additional space for casket burials, in-ground cremation interments, or a mix of both.

• Reconfigure pathways to increase usable space.

Phase 3

• Create new cremation gardens with columbaria and in-ground cremated remains options.

Note: Some parcels of land along the southern edge are privately owned and not formally dedicated as cemetery road. The City would need to acquire these parcels to accommodate future expansion.

BOUNDARY BAY CEMETERY PHASING PLAN

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

Permanent Vehicular Circulation

Temporary Vehicular Circulation

Pedestrian Circulation

Currently Private Property. This Area May Not Be Developable as Cemetery Infill

ASH SCATTERING IN DELTA

Delta has established a reflective lookout near the shoreline area of Tilbury Island, known as Duck Island. The City is exploring an overlook pier to provide families with a meaningful space along the Fraser River to honour and remember their loved ones.

CEMETERY MASTER PLAN

PROPOSED NORTH DELTA CEMETERY PLAN

North Delta Cemetery has the greatest potential for expansion. The southern half of the site provides significant opportunity to introduce more traditional burial options as well as green burials, which are increasing in demand.

While overall capacity is not yet a concern, offering more in-ground options at North Delta will help meet future needs as Boundary Bay becomes more limited. Development will take place in a single phase and include expanded inventory for:

• Traditional in-ground burial

• In-ground lawn cremation lot

• In-ground woodland cremation

• Columbaria niches

NORTH DELTA CEMETERY PLAN

Vehicular Circulation

Pedestrian Circulation

Planted Buffer

Green Burial

Traditional In-ground Burial

In-ground Lawn Cremation Lot

In-ground Woodland Cremation

Columbaria Niches

Gathering Node

FUTURE OF CEMETERIES

Beyond the proposed development plan which will address capacity issues in the coming years, the City would like resident’s input on future cemetery policies to guide the long term solutions for managing capacity in Delta cemeteries. Some options include:

• Limiting in-ground burials to only North Delta Cemetery where space is available

• Acquiring additional land to expand the cemeteries

• Limiting future plot sales to Delta residents only

As well as additional strategies to extend the life of a cemetery.

• Gathering spaces

• A new green burial area

ABOUT GREEN BURIAL

Green burial is proposed as a new interment service for Delta. Unlike traditional burials, green burials use biodegradable shrouds or caskets and avoid embalming chemicals.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

We want to hear your thoughts on the proposed changes to Delta’s cemeteries. Your input will help shape the final Cemetery Master Plan.

• Review the proposed plans at letstalk.delta.ca/Cemetery or scan the QR code at the bottom of this page.

• Complete the online feedback form by November 30, 2025