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Cranbrook, BC (April 3, 2023) – As the weather improves, the City of Cranbrook is reminding residents to please remove any winter adornments left at Westlawn Cemetery to ensure these important items are not damaged during regular spring and summer maintenance.

While the deadline to remove winter adornments is March 15 of each year, a grace period is in place until after the Easter weekend, allowing residents the opportunity to remove these items.  Staff maintain the cemetery year-round but usually begin routine mowing operations once the snow melts and the grass starts to grow. 

A winter cross may be placed in the cemetery to help residents locate a plot in the snow, however, they are required to be removed by March 15 of each year, according to the City’s cemetery bylaw. Artificial flowers may also be placed in an authorized flower container at a plot from November 1 to March 15, or they can be placed year-round in the Mausoleum.

Fresh cut flowers, wreaths and natural floral offerings from a funeral procession are permitted but are removed by the caretaker after seven days to ensure routine maintenance of the grounds can be completed.

The City appreciates the community’s understanding and support of these measures to prevent any damage to cemetery plots, the Mausoleum, or maintenance equipment.