Changing preference and price possible factors in cemeteries revenue decline
KAMLOOPS — It appears more people are choosing to forego a cremation or traditional burial when they die.
Drake Smith, Owner and Funeral Director of Drake Cremation and Funeral Services, says he’s seen a change in people’s death preferences in the last few years compared to when he started in the early 2000s.
“Fewer people are opting to bury their loved one, whether it’s the body or ashes in the cemetery,” said Smith. “More and more people are choosing to scatter the ashes, or keep them at home, so that’s been a huge change in the funeral service industry.”
The City of Kamloops saw a drop in its cemetery cost-recovery rate, going from 96% in 2014 to 77% last year.