Hamilton Municipal Cemeteries Business and Land Needs Study

The City of Hamilton is undertaking an update to the 2014 Business Strategy and Land Needs Assessment for Hamilton Municipal Cemeteries. This study will serve as a strategic roadmap to guide cemetery services, operations, and land needs over the next 30 years. It will evaluate progress made since 2014, assess current and emerging trends, and provide clear recommendations for the long-term sustainability, efficiency, and financial health of Hamilton's cemetery system.

The project will examine the availability and use of existing cemetery lands, identify opportunities for optimization, and project long-term land requirements based on demographic trends, burial preferences, and community growth. It will also assess service offerings, operational models, and environmental stewardship opportunities to ensure that Hamilton's cemeteries continue to meet the needs of diverse communities in a client-centered and cost-effective manner.

As part of this study, the public, City staff, and key stakeholder groups will be invited to provide input on:

• Community preferences for burial and memorialization options (e.g., traditional burial, cremation, green/natural burials, scattering).
• Perspectives on accessibility, inclusivity, and cultural considerations in cemetery services.
• Feedback on the role of cemeteries as public spaces, including ceremony, reflection, and environmental stewardship opportunities.
• Ideas to improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability of the cemetery system.
• Reactions to preliminary findings and draft recommendations before the final plan is developed