Photo by Emily Chatwood / MBC News
Greater Napanee council has approved construction of a new trail at Riverside Cemetery to resume despite concerns from some residents about privacy and the use of cemetery property.
Louise McKee spoke against the project during a special meeting Tuesday, saying the trail process had not been clear and that residents had not received all of the application information. She said the trail could affect the dignity of people visiting graves and asked council to consider four alternative routes.
Robin Lee spoke in support of the trail. A lifelong resident and former cemetery board member, Lee said claims that the project violated provincial rules were false. He said cemeteries are public spaces and pointed to trails near cemeteries in other Ontario communities.
Town staff said the project has been discussed publicly for several years and the appropriate plans were submitted to the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), which approved them. Sonia McLuckie, Cemetery Administrator, said the trail will be on peripheral cemetery land, outside active burial areas.
Staff also said walking, jogging, dog walking and cycling already take place on the property. Motorized vehicles are not permitted, while e-bikes and e-scooters would require additional town rules.
Council voted to proceed with construction and directed staff to provide an opportunity for public input on privacy features between the trail and active cemetery areas. CAO Matthew Grant provided some examples to council.
The motion passed in a recorded vote, with all councillors voting in favour.
Written by Emily Chatwood
