Overview
On this page you will find information on how to:
- register a new cemetery
- expand an existing cemetery site
- establish a columbarium
- operate, establish or alter the size of an existing mausoleum
Cemetery
Cemetery means land that is set apart or used as a place for the burial of dead human bodies or other human remains, or in which dead human bodies or other human remains are buried.
To establish a cemetery the owner must be a religious organization, a religious auxiliary or a municipality.
How to apply
To register a new cemetery or expand an existing cemetery site you will need to complete an application form, provide a sketch plan, provide local regional health authority recommendation, and provide subdivision approval. To get started, follow these instructions to save and open the application and other applicable forms.
Failure to provide complete information will delay processing of your application and may result in a closure of your file.
Step 1. Fill out the application form
PDF form issues
Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:
- Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
- Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.
If you are still having problems opening the form, contact PDF form technical support.
Application for Cemetery Registration
Religious groups must be registered with Corporate Registry. Call 780-427-2311.
Step 2. Provide sketch plan
Provide a sketch plan of the proposed site which shows:
- legal description of the quarter section
- the general slope of the land
- all buildings used for human habitation and all domestic water supplies within 150 metres of the site
- cemetery boundaries must be marked and measurements indicated
- placement of the cemetery within the quarter section showing the distance between a reference point and the cemetery boundaries
Step 3. Obtain and provide local regional health authority recommendation
Obtain and provide local regional health authority recommendation or comments (this can be provided on the enclosed form or a letter of approval will be accepted).
Contact Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health for further information. Find your local Public Health office by accessing the Alberta Health Services website and searching under “Other Facilities with this Service.”
Step 4. Obtain and provide subdivision approval
Obtain and provide subdivision approval for the land to be used as a cemetery (this approval is called an "Approved Subdivision" application; each subdivision authority has their own format).
Step 5. Submit the application form
Email your application form, sketch plan, local regional health authority recommendation, and subdivision approval to [email protected].
You may also mail or drop off your application package to the address noted on the application.
When the above information is received and processed, a Provisional Certificate of Approval may be issued. The Provisional Certificate is issued as our approval for the land to be established as a cemetery site. This certificate is issued for a one-year period but does not permit the use of the land for burials.
After you apply
The Provisional Certificate of Approval may be required by the municipality in order for them to approve the zoning and subdivision of the cemetery land. The cemetery owner must obtain a clean and separate title of the actual cemetery site. This title must be free and clear of any liens and/or encumbrances.
Once the owner has obtained title to the site, a copy is to be forwarded to our office for review. If the proposed cemetery is described by a plan number on the title, a copy of the registered plan must also be submitted. If the title is in order, a Final Certificate of Approval may be issued. The Final Certificate of Approval permits burials to take place on the site.
The Director of Cemeteries may impose other requirements and/or conditions on the cemetery registration, which will be identified on the Provisional or Final Certificates of Approval. The Director of Cemeteries has the authority to inspect any proposed cemetery sites.
Columbarium
A columbarium is a structure designed for storing the ashes of dead bodies or other human remains that have been cremated.
Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction is not responsible for approving requests to establish new columbaria.
Columbaria may be established on a cemetery, a church, or as part of a crematory's facilities. Only religious organizations and municipalities can establish columbaria. Municipal approval for the columbarium location is required.
Cemetery owners should advise the Director of Cemeteries of the creation of columbaria within their cemeteries.
Mausoleum
A mausoleum is a structure wholly or partly above the level of the ground and designed for the burial or storage of dead human bodies.
Only a religious auxiliary, religious organization or a municipality may establish a new mausoleum. A mausoleum only needs to register if the structure contains more than 12 compartments. It must be located in a registered cemetery.
An organization wishing to operate, establish or alter the size of an existing mausoleum shall apply to the Director of Cemeteries for approval of the mausoleum and its site. The application shall be in the form set by the Director and accompanied with any information required by the Director.
The owner of a mausoleum shall obtain any permit or approval required by any enactment or municipal bylaw in respect of the construction or operation of a mausoleum. The Director of Cemeteries has the authority to inspect any proposed mausoleum sites.
How to apply
You will need to complete an application form, provide local regional heath authority approval, and provide municipal or regional planning approval. To get started, follow these instructions to save and open the application form.
Failure to provide complete information will delay processing of your application and may result in a refund of your fees and closure of your file.
Step 1. Fill out the application form
Application for Mausoleum Registration
Step 2. Obtain and provide local regional health authority approval
Obtain and provide local regional health authority approval (Regional Health Authorities may use their own forms or provide approval on health authority letterhead).
Step 3. Obtain and provide municipal or regional planning approval
Obtain and provide municipal or regional planning approval (Note: This may include development approval. Municipal or regional planning offices may use their own forms or provide approval by letter).
Step 4. Submit the application form
Email your application form, local regional heath authority approval, and municipal or regional planning approval to [email protected].
You may also mail or drop off your application package to the address noted on the application.
Other cemetery licences and registrations in Alberta
- Cemetery pre-need contract business
- Cemetery pre-need contract salesperson
- Monument business
- Monument salesperson
Your responsibilities
Operation and maintenance guidelines
The Alberta government has published Operation and Maintenance Guidelines for Cemetery Owners and Operators to provide guidance in relation to the Cemeteries Act and Cemeteries General Regulation.
The guidelines provide information and guidance for cemetery owners and operators on frequently asked questions and regularly identified compliance issues, including:
- alternatives to burials
- care and maintenance of a cemetery
- registration and consent
- burial plots
- operations
- disposition of remains
- perpetual care funds
- enforcement
- Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board
- cemetery companies
- additional resources
Compliance
Copies of legislation can be obtained from the King’s Printer Bookstore.
Resources
Contact
Connect with the Consumer Contact Centre:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-4088
Toll free: 1-877-427-4088 (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]