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Toxic emissions raise cost of Greenwood cremator

The cost of a new cremator being built at Greenwood Cemetery has risen 67 percent, largely because of more stringent air-emission standards set by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
CremationUrns

The cost of a new cremator being built at Greenwood Cemetery has risen 67 percent, largely because of more stringent air-emission standards set by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.

The project was originally approved by City Council in August 2001 at an estimated cost of $150,000.

But John King, the City's manager of cemeteries, had to request additional funds this week after the estimate rose to $250,000.

"Since the early 1990s the Ministry of the Environment has been reviewing air emission requirements for cremators and have recently determined that certain new conditions are needed for reduced emissions, toxins and furans in particular," King says.

The ministry has required the cremator to have additional systems for stack testing and continuous emission monitoring.

Those conditions, combined with added engineering and architectural fees and additional costs related to handicap accessibility, handicap washroom and a public viewing area, have added $100,000 to the original cost.

This week, City Council agreed to proceed with tendering for the new cremator, with the extra money to come from the City's cemetery reserve fund.

Greenwood Cemetery is located south of Fourth Line at the intersection with Peoples Road.


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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