THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay has done an about-face on the closure of its two cemeteries due to COVID-19 precautions.
Municipally-owned Mountain View and St. Patrick's Cemeteries were scheduled to close Monday, Apr. 20 until further notice.
In an announcement last week, the city said the cemeteries would remain open for funeral services only.
It said it was acting on the recommendations of the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals.
However, late Monday it announced the decision was being reversed "after further consideration."
Numerous city residents had objected to the closure.
In a statement, Mayor Bill Mauro said he and other members of council had been "uncomfortable" with the move.
He said he asked city administration to consider other options to accommodate health and safety concerns for cemetery staff and visitors.
City Manager Norm Gale now says other measures will be adopted.
Visitors will not be allowed to use amenities within the cemetery including water taps and benches until the provincial Emergency Order is lifted.
Members of the public must also maintain a distance of at least two metres from each other.
"In a dynamic and fluid situation, we are continuously evaluating our services and operations. The changes announced today are made to balance the health and safety of the public and our staff, and the needs of family and friends for visitation," Gale said.
The provincial order already limits funeral services to a maximum of 10 attendees, including clergy.
