Riverside Park (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

City Memorials

Kamloops council approves increase to tree and bench memorial fees to offset rising costs

Jan 24, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Whether it be a park bench in Riverside Park, a picnic table near the playground or a beautiful tree in one of Kamloops’ many green spaces, residents will soon be able to access the city’s updated Parks Memorialization Program.

“It’s something that is long overdue. The pause is something that a lot of residents in our city have been asking about. Especially the ones that played sports and have deep roots here, this is one way that they want to memorialize it and go to those spaces where their loved ones enjoyed their time in Kamloops,” said Councillor Bill Sarai.

The move was approved by an unanimous vote of council on Tuesday (Jan. 23). Parks and Civic Facilities Manager Jeff Putnam outlined how rising costs forced the city to increase the prices.

“We have to build the cement foundation, there is metal in it, there is recycled plastics, and actually the bronze plagues are ordered from Australia,” said Putnam. “You add all those together and we were selling the benches for $2,800 and their actual cost was more than $3,500, which means they were each being subsidized by $700.”

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The cost of a new bench will be $4,000, while a picnic table will be $8,000 and a tree $1,500. Residents will also have the choice of existing benches for $2,000 or picnic tables at $4,000.

There will also be a renewal fee of $1,000 every 10 years for the benches and tables. Tree memorializations are for the life of the tree.

“Usually between Years 12 and 15 we need to replace [a bench], and that costs the city money. I do have money in my budget for that. On top of that, we have had vandalism and graffiti issues that we have had to deal with. After 10 years, the sponsor can renew for an additional 10 years for only a $1,000,” stated Putnam.

With demand and prices increasing, Sarai proposed that families should be able to come together and share benches across the city if they wish.

“Families should have the same opportunity as somebody who can go out and say, ‘Money isn’t a problem here,'” said Sarai. “If we can go and put two plaques or three plaques on one bench overlooking the North or South Thompson, Riverside Park, a bench that is already there — I think that’s fair, too. And if somebody wants to purchase a whole bench and they are quite capable of doing it, then that should be an option as well.”

Putnam noted those interested in memorializing loved ones can reach out to the city’s cemeteries department.