The community of Dryden is divided on whether or not a two unit Crematorium should be developed behind the Dryden Community Funeral Home.
The public jammed the Best Western Plus and Council Chambers yesterday (Monday) as part of a public meeting and delegation, with both sides quite vocal on how they feel about the project.
Staff and Council are both looking a zoning by-law change.
Applicant Robert Savage says a Crematorium is needed as they currently have to travel all the way to Beasuejour, Manitoba to reach the nearest facility.
He notes that’s amounts to about 10 to 12 hours a day for his staff.
Savage adds Dryden is a community hub and they are in a perfect central location to facilitate those in the area, stressing he has the support of area municipalities.
“The families going through will be saving $500-$1,000 if I can get this done. To some people, it doesn’t mean a lot, but $1,000 to some families means a lot.”
He adds “In a case like that, I’d rather give back to a community that has supported me all these years and this a way to that.”
It was mentioned at the meeting that the City did receive a 65-signature letter of support from Ignace residents.
Savage notes the facility will also allow him to hire a couple of additional staff members, citing economic spin-off’s for the community who have to travel to Dryden for service.
In terms of the location and potentially having to find a new spot, Savage says “It would cost us less to get this done then having to go to another property which incurs more costs and you have to double up on taxes, double up on everything. So that’s why we’re looking at the Funeral Home. We have parking, I have a big lot and I want to expand in the back.”
He adds they have searched the Dryden area for other suitable locations, and are already roughly $35,000 invested in research costs at their current location.
Savage says he already has natural gas hook-up’s, which is easier and more efficient than propane, and the other site researched aren’t suitable.
While there was plenty of support for the project, including from some living in North Dryden, there was also plenty of opposition.
Nearby resident Brenda Bell spoke on behalf of a Concerned Citizens group.
Bell pointed out a petition of some 550 paper and on-line signatures.
Her main concern was related to health and the environment.
Bell says “The most dangerous cremation emission, mercury, can be burnt during the process through the deceased person’s silver teeth fillings, a popular choice among the baby boomer generation.”
“There are 47 identified potential toxins that would be released into the airways.”
Bell notes “The Ministry of Environment guidelines currently allow for 2.5-micrograms of mercury to be released per day as an expectable limit. If mercury doesn’t break down, that’s another 2.5 the following day and the following day, 365 days a year. The World Health Organization says safe levels of mercury exposure have never been established.”
A report from Environmental Consultants, Cambrian, states that they tested all worst-case scenarios for the crematorium if all of the safety systems failed and emissions were “basically zero.” Mercury was measured at only 2% of the Ministry of Environment’s allowable limit of 2.5-micrograms per day, falling under the expected “no adverse effect” category.
It also pointed to no environmental impacts and no emission concerns.
Bell points out the agency was hired to produce a favourable report for the project.
“Even if they’re within the parameters, every business has a margin of error. There are always incidents, no matter what. There are always malfunctions. But with the proximity to the homes in the area, it will be too late at that points.”
Bell also addressed the location of the Crematorium.
Bell stressed “We’re not against the business. We’re not against the funeral home. We’re not against the Crematorium, but we’re worried about the emissions produced and the health effects. It would be better located elsewhere. I think this will be a great business, but for the financial gain of one person, at the risk of the health of potentially thousands over time, I don’t think this is the right location.”
She notes this is northwestern Ontario and there’s plenty of available land in the area.
Bell points to the close proximity to Rotary Park, New Prospect School, a walking path, the soccer fields and skateboard park.
She adds the operations could potentially be running from 7:00am to 7:00pm, seven days away and stresses children would be exposed to the mercury.
Bell ended by saying “I can’t imagine that this Council is prepared to allow these pollutants to be discharged in this location or accept the legal or moral responsibility of risking the health of the citizens of Dryden. Our health is in your hands. Make the right decision. Please remember, good decision making today, means not having to say sorry tomorrow.”
Dryden City staff say the Dryden Funeral Home has done its due diligence to ensure all of the paperwork has been done right in its bid to develop a two unit Crematorium at the back of its property.
The facility would handle both humans remains and pets.
Officials say their plan follows all environmental and municipal rules and comply’s with all standards.
They note even if the zone bylaw change goes through, the home will still have to go through vigorous provincial environmental assessments.
Council says it needs more time to review all of the information collected and no decision is expected this month.
