Prosperity From the Dead

Thursday, March 09, 2006 03:45 AM

by Jack deWit

The City of Prince George has voted to proceed with the construction of a mausoleum at the cemetery. This is something that is overdue for a city of our size. There are many citizens who would prefer to store the remains of loved ones in such a facility as opposed to the options presently available to residents.

I applaud Council for its support for this project. I certainly hope the architectural design will reflect the lifestyles and history of the central interior. In addition, the proposal must allow for future expansion without detracting from the original motif.

The planned 100 crypts and 500 niches for cinerary urns may sound like a significant number of spaces. Yet, with the increased value of cemetery plots, more people are become receptive to the mausoleum method as a way of honouring those who have passed on.

I do, however, have one problem with the business plan as presented to council. In the plan it suggests that in the future this mausoleum would become a source of revenue for City Hall. It bewilders me to no end why every project funded by taxpayers must be a revenue-making venture. Wouldn’t it be unique if the City of Prince George could develop an undertaking to honour our past citizens on a revenue-neutral basis? Why, when family members are most vulnerable, should our municipality make a profit on a taxpayer’s death?

Our city fathers are eager to construct an ice oval at taxpayer’s expense for the enjoyment of a small segment of our population. This facility will never operate showing a profit. In fact, I would be willing to wager that user fees will never recover the capital expenditure on this project. At the same time Option A on the redevelopment of the Exhibition Grounds (can be viewed on the City of Prince George website) will see the horse track (one of the few in the interior) and rodeo grounds destroyed. These are very low maintenance facilities that are enjoyed by many fair goers. Lets utilize the existing amenities to their maximum potential to provide revenue for the city coffers.

Therefore, I request from our Councilors that when the final plan is accepted for the construction and operation of a mausoleum, they consider a revenue-neutral operating plan.

With absolute certainty we are all leaving this earth at some time. Let’s not tax the dead to make a profit!

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2006 03:45 AM in Views by Jack deWit

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: QuasiMe on March 14 2006 10:08 AM

I believe a mausoleum is typically a business enterprise. As such, it should be left to business to operate. Perhaps if the City sees a need to "seed" the project, let them do so until it becomes a viable stand-alone operation with the ability for the City to recover the investment and yes, a stipend for good measure. Bottom line, if you can't make money from it, the demand is insufficient and perhaps the project shouldn't be started. On the other hand, if there is strong feeling for a mausoleum regardless of it being self-sustaining then, let the special interest concerns raise the required capital for start-up and operational maintenance. In the end, the City's mandate is not to be in business though; I have nothing against them seeding a desirable municipal amenity, as long as they have no long-term desire to remain in the private enterprise arena.

In the interim, Uncle Charlie looks just fine sitting on the mantle…

Posted by: Percy on March 14 2006 8:07 PM

I don't know how a mausoleum has steered me to the ice oval. But, here I am.

It just occured to me that the oval at Massey Place Stadium would make an awesome ice oval in the winter. It's already lit, it's already secured, It's already flat, It's already built. It just needs ice in the winter and rubber in the summer.

We need to figure out ways to use our facilities all year long as well as multi-use. We just can afford to pour the money into seasonal facilities that are only utilized by a limited number of taxpayers.

After all, the taxpayers are the ones who, at the end of the day have to pay for everything.

The opinions of those who aren't paying the bills have very little impact on the plans to spend money in this community.

In reality, 80% of the costs of running this city are borne by 20% of the population.

I challenge anyone to dispute my suggestion with proof to the contrary. Percy