On January 15, 2026, the L.E. Shore Memorial Library in Thornbury will host a session by the Climate Action Now Network (CANN) on natural burial practices, covering environmental benefits and local options for residents considering eco‑friendly end-of-life choices.
The workshop will explain the five pillars of natural burial: no embalming, direct earth burial, biodegradable containers, communal memorialization and habitat restoration. Organizers will outline nearby options and share how local cemeteries could introduce green sections. The session is presented by the Climate Action Now Network; Diana Dolmer, a CANN member who has been a lead spokesperson on the natural burial initiative and who deputed to Town council on the issue in 2021, has been involved in local advocacy on this topic.
The Town of The Blue Mountains has been exploring a natural burial section at the Thornbury Clarksburg Union Cemetery since 2021, but town policy as of mid-2024 still lists green burials as not permitted because there are no designated areas available. Council staff have continued to study feasibility and soil requirements as part of cemetery planning.
Other Ontario communities, such as Niagara Falls (Willow’s Rest at Fairview Cemetery) and Picton (Glenwood Cemetery), have already opened green or natural burial sections. One obstacle for smaller municipalities is the provincial Care and Maintenance requirement: the Bereavement Authority of Ontario requires a contribution to a Care and Maintenance Fund equal to 40% of the selling price for in-ground burial rights, which can raise upfront costs and affect the pricing and rollout of new green sections.
The session is open to the public and is intended to share information about environmental benefits, local provider options and the municipal approval process. Organizers say attendees will be able to ask questions and learn how to follow up with local contacts and municipal staff. Those hoping to see a natural burial option priced and permitted locally are encouraged to attend and voice their support.
