Brampton closes all city-operated cemeteries ‘for safety of residents and staff’

Yorkregion.com
April 9, 2020
Graeme Frisque

The City of Brampton has closed all city-owned cemeteries in its latest measure aimed at flattening the COVID-19 curve in Canada’s ninth-largest city.

In a release, the city said essential services such as burials and burial plot sales will continue to be offered, but by appointment only. Those wanting to arrange those services should call 905-874-2997 to set up an appointment.

“Effective, Wednesday, April 8, all City of Brampton cemeteries will close until further notice, to ensure the health and safety of residents and staff,” read the release. (The city) is responsible for managing the Brampton Cemetery (10 Wilson Avenue), as well as 25 pioneer cemeteries throughout the city, it added.

The city confirmed the closure order only applies to city-run cemeteries. Visit www.brampton.ca for a full list of affected cemeteries.

Cemeteries are just the latest in a growing list of city-operated facilities closed until further notice due to COVID-19 pandemic, which now includes city hall, all recreation centres, playgrounds, sports fields and equipment and others. A full list of closed city facilities is also available on the city's website.

Mayor Patrick Brown signed a state of emergency declaration on March 24. A week later, on March 31, the city implemented a new physical distancing bylaw requiring residents to heed health department guidelines under penalty of fines between $500 and $100,000.

The bylaw prohibits public or private gathering of more than five people not of the same family, and requires people not living in the same residence to remain two metres apart in public spaces. As of April 7, the city had issued nine tickets and 64 warnings under the new bylaw.

The Region of Peel had reported 684 confirmed cases as of 10 a.m. on April 8 including 270 in Brampton, 378 in Mississauga, 33 in Caledon and another three pending further information. To date, nine people have died as a result of the COVID-19 in Peel Region.