Cemetery Questions/Answers
Can I find out if someone is buried in one of Nanaimo's cemeteries?
Yes. You can fill out the Genealogy Research Request and submit it online.
What ornamentation may I place on my relative's grave?
Flowers only.
When am I permitted to place "plastic or artificial" flowers?
Only permitted from Sept. 30 to May 1 of each year. These flowers are typically removed in the spring when grass cutting begins.
Why did someone steal my glass vase?
We may have removed them for safety reasons to allow grass cutting. It wasn't necessarily stolen.
Why did someone remove the flowers on my relative's grave?
They may have deteriorated and in the opinion of the maintenance personnel been removed for aesthetic reasons.
May toys or food be left at grave sites?
No! These become a hazard to others during grass cutting operations.
When are the gates opened and closed?
Open at 8:00 AM and closed by 4:30 PM every day.
Can I install my own marker? Are stones or brick permitted around our
marker?
No! Only authorized staff and monument companies having a valid permit for that burial site and memorial marker may install or remove a marker. Stones or bricks around the perimeter of markers are not allowed under the bylaw for safety and aesthetic reasons.
When will you level my relative's grave or headstone?
After a burial this is usually done within a few weeks to permit the initial settlement resulting from disturbing the soil. Otherwise it is only done as part of an annual relevelling program for specific areas of the cemetery or to address a safety concern.
Who do we contact to find my relative's grave? Are maps available? How many relatives will you look up at any one time?
Contact City Hall at 755-4501 . Maps are not available.
Who will clean up my relative's marker - the grass is overgrown.
Markers are weedeated on a regular 4 to 5 week cycle.
Who is responsible for the repair of my relative's marker, which has been damaged?
The family is responsible for any repairs to monuments. The City does not own the memorial markers.
How much do plots cost? Markers cost? Burials or interment of cremains cost?
Fees are determined through the bylaw.
Who may install markers in the cemetery?
Only an approved installer with a monument company or funeral home having a valid permit for that site.
Why are my pets not allowed in the cemetery? (Want our pet to visit our relative).
Past problems in the cemetery caused a bylaw to be written which now prohibits all pets from the cemetery.
Will there be anyone here on the weekend to direct me to my relative's grave?
No.
Is there anyone at the cemetery during the day?
No. Please contact City Hall 755-4501 with all your inquiries.
When there is no one at the cemetery how will I know where my relative's grave is located?
Contact City Hall 755-4501 with all your inquiries. Arrangements will be made to assist you in identifying the grave sought.
How do I find my relative in the
Wellington Cemetery?
A map is available at City Hall, Finance Department.
Are more burials permitted in the
Wellington Cemetery?
No burial sites are available for purchase.
I have an Oriental relative. Which cemetery are they buried in?
They may be buried in any of the cemeteries.
Are only persons of Asian descent buried in the
Chinese Cemetery?
No, anyone can purchase a burial plot in time of need. The Chinese Cemetery was donated to the City of Nanaimo by the Chinese Society so we have kept that name.
Are the plots in the
Chinese Cemetery?
sold in a specific order?
Yes! Plots are not sold on a random basis.
Why is there plywood laid on my relative's grave?
There is a burial taking place nearby and the plywood has been placed to protect the existing plots and memorial markers while the earth is piled to permit the grave to be dug.
How many markers may be placed on a grave site? What size can they be?
Two markers permitted. Size determined by the City Bylaw.
What types of markers are permitted?
Determined by the City Bylaw.
How early or late in the day may a burial take place?
Arrive on site by 11:00 AM and the last service of the day must be finished by 3:30 PM
How long is a burial service permitted to extend?
They must be finished by 3:30 PM or overtime charges are likely.
Can we spread our relative's ashes on our father's grave?
You cannot spread ahses on any grave.
Why are there deep depressions in the cemetery?
Over time the earth settles.
May we bury our pet's ashes with our relative?
No. Only humans may be interred in the cemetery and all those interred must have an appropriate Burial Certificate applicable for this cemetery and all fees must be paid prior to burial.
When making funeral or burial arrangemts, how much notice does the City require?
Three working days notice to the City is required as determined by the City Bylaw.
