An opportunity is coming up for the public to discuss the potential development of a crematorium on the Dryden Community Funeral Home property at 249 Grand Trunk Avenue.
A public meeting will be held at the Best Western Plus on August 12th from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.
Dryden Chief Building Official Pam Skillen says there is some opposition to the crematorium surrounding emissions, contamination, mercury and what controls will be in place.
Concerns have also been raised that it would be located nearby Cooper Park and New Prospect School.
According to an over 100 page report from the third party agency Cambium, the funeral home is proposing to operate two crematory units and have submitted the required documents.
It goes on to say the study finds no impacts are expected to exceed limits set by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Skillen says “Ultimately it is Council’s decision. They have to take all aspects in play, both legislative, provincial but obviously they are representatives of the people of Dryden.”
Proponents of the crematorium state it will bring business in but will ultimately protect the safety of workers who currently have to travel all the way to Beausejour, Manitoba to access the nearest facility,
Staff at the funeral home state cremation rates have been steadily increasing in the area.
On August 12th, Council will be able to ask more questions and representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will be on hand.
Questions from the public will also be fielded and staff at the funeral home will be given a chance to explain why a crematorium is needed in Dryden.
Posted by City of Dryden, Ontario on Tuesday, July 23, 2019
To read the executive summary from Cambium visit https://dryden.civicweb.net/FileStorage/C410C9F32C8848778AF5B254992D2462-2019-06-28%20Dryden%20Letter%20-%20Final.pdf
