Rate increases recommended in Bracebridge's new Cemetery Master Plan

The recommendations bring rates inline with other Muskoka municipalities

Rate increases were recommended in Bracebridge's new Cemetery Master Plan, in the July 2, 2025, General Committee meeting.

Last fall the Town hired E. Lees and Associates to conduct a review of their 19 cemeteries (9 active, 3 semi-active, and 7 inactive/pioneer) and to develop a plan.

Recommendations for changes included increasing the rates to be in line with area municipalities, such as Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Wasaga Beach, Muskoka Lakes, and Severn.

They reported that the Town averaged $86,754 in annual revenue between 2019-2023 and totaled $114,797 in expenses.

Their total average Operating Expenses was $66,436, and average net Operating Income was $22,800, and total loss was $28,000 per year.

According to their report, some of the rate increases include adult casket lots by 9% (from $880 to $960), casket burials by 14% (from $700 to $800), Weekend and After Hours on Weekdays Surcharge by 100% (from $150 to $300), and Holiday Surcharge by 223% (from $155 to $500).

They also recommended the Town maintain a minimal rate increase of 3% per year to account for inflation and the regional market, and to add a 15% new non-resident premium surcharge on all sales with an increase to 50% over 3 years.

The consultants advised that goals include a plan to manage the cemeteries, financial sustainability, customer service and other offerings.

The consultants also advised that Bracebridge has “fewer offerings” and recommended adding new products, including family columbaria, family estate plots, scattering gardens, private reserved plots, and eco-friendly green/natural burial space.

Operation strategies included providing different ranges of maintenance based on whether the cemetery is active, semi-active or non-active/pioneer. For instance, the use of livestock grazing was one of the suggestions for the more inactive properties, along with robotic mowers, naturalization and native vegetation to reduce mowing.

Other suggestions include purchasing new management software with GPS and GIS Mapping and digital workflow, improving cemetery access, parking, walking paths, seating, signs, and visitor experience to semi and inactive cemeteries, hiring summer students for maintenance, and creating a marketing plan to promote cemetery services.

Mayor, Rick Maloney, said the recommendations “are moving the cemeteries into the 21^st century…[and] meeting the needs of a changing community.”

He added that the Town is becoming more diverse, including different religious needs. He said, “We need to look outside the box in terms of what we have to offer.”

He also said he’s seeing an interest in green burials and likes the idea of livestock grazing in the semi-active cemeteries for future consideration.

Councillor, Don Smith, suggested the Town set up a care and maintenance fund for growth. He said, “It’s important as we provide ongoing maintenance trends without a burden on the rate payer.”