It’s a morbid fact of every Vancouverite’s life that the cost of death and taxes will always rise. Burial plots are more expensive now than ever, and the price seems like it can only go up. Most of the time, you’ll hear it’s because there’s little space left to bury the dead. But how much of this is true? Are cemeteries in Vancouver really running out of burial plots?
Greater Vancouver’s cemeteries are facing a greater demand for burial plots due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and inefficient use of burial spaces. The lower mainland’s poor land management and planning have also left little to no space for cemeteries to expand. Cemeteries have also begun to focus more on profit, amplifying the shortage even more.
As Greater Vancouver continues to struggle with managing its land, the consequence spills over to burial spaces. Let’s take a deeper dive into the reasons why cemeteries in the lower mainland are running out of burial spaces, and what you can do to protect yourself from the aftermath.
5 Biggest Contributors To Burial Space Scarcity In Greater Vancouver
For Greater Vancouver, the biggest contributors to burial plot scarcity are the growing population and land mismanagement. Other factors such as artificial price hikes and land hoarding also have adverse effects on the cemetery business. Let’s explore the 5 biggest offenders that have led to the current crisis:
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Rapid Population Growth
Greater Vancouver’s growing population has dramatically increased the demand for burial plots, straining the capacity of existing cemeteries. For instance, Mountain View Cemetery halted new casket burial sales in 1986 because vacancies were entirely exhausted, a direct result of sustained population growth and heightened end‐of‐life needs.
This surge forces urban cemeteries to work at maximum capacity, making it increasingly difficult to accommodate traditional burials. As more residents enter the region, the pressure on these fixed-space institutions continues to mount, with projections indicating that available burial plots may become even scarcer in the coming decades.
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Urban Expansion and Land Scarcity
Greater Vancouver’s rapid urban development means that land is consistently repurposed for housing, commercial projects, and public infrastructure. This competitive allocation of space directly limits the land available for cemetery expansion, leaving many burial grounds confined to their historic boundaries.
The situation is compounded by high property values and the aggressive pace of urban sprawl, forcing cemeteries to maximize existing plots rather than acquire new land. As urban pressures mount, the available burial space continues to diminish, leaving fewer options for families in need of traditional interment.
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Poor Land Management and Planning
Inefficient urban planning in Metro Vancouver has long sidelined the need for dedicated cemetery space. The region’s rapid urban expansion and prioritization of housing and commercial development have left cemeteries confined to fixed, historic boundaries. This lack of forward-thinking land management means that many cemeteries in Vancouver and Surrey are struggling to adapt to increased demand.
Moreover, inadequate zoning reforms and the failure to integrate cemetery needs into long-term urban plans have exacerbated the scarcity of burial space. Municipal master plans reveal that strategic redevelopment options, like repurposing underused land or adjusting zoning regulations, remain underutilized. This mismanagement has led to steep price increases and forced cemeteries to adopt innovative, yet sometimes controversial, measures to maximize capacity.
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Burial Plot Hoarding And Artificial Price Increase
As the supply of burial plots dwindles, prices have soared, reflecting the severe scarcity in the market. For example, in some cemeteries, plot prices have escalated from approximately $23,000 in 2017 to over $54,000 by 2023, a trend that underscores the impact of limited supply and increased demand. With some of the highest prices nearing $100,000 for a single burial space.
This price surge also fuels a secondary market where buyers acquire the rights to inter rather than the land itself, creating further complications. Consumer Protection BC reports indicate that such practices leave families vulnerable to resold plots and higher costs, making pre-purchasing even more critical in this challenging market.
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Zoning and Regulatory Restrictions
Strict zoning laws and provincial regulations in Greater Vancouver restrict cemeteries from expanding their boundaries, even when the demand for burial plots increases. Municipal master plans have projected that under current regulations, traditional burial spaces in some cemeteries could be completely exhausted within the next two decades.
These legal constraints prevent cemeteries from converting other types of land into burial space, forcing them to operate within fixed parameters. As a result, despite the growing need, cemeteries are often left with no option but to innovate by reusing plots or limiting new sales, further underscoring the space shortage.
Unfortunately, these issues are persistent, and some of these will only worsen with time. The cost and availability of burial spaces will become more and more problematic. The only way that you can stay safe from this impending implosion is to pre-purchase or pre-book burial spaces.
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery. A New And Spacious Option
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery is Metro Vancouver’s newest large-format cemetery. Located in Langley, it offers the highest degree of professional care for your loved ones at affordable prices. At Bakerview, prices start from $4,000 for burial niches, and $12,000 for burial sites, with options for family burial sites. Most importantly, the burial plots you purchase here are yours to keep forever.
There’s no cemetery near Greater Vancouver, especially in the Fraser Valley that offers burial options as expansive as Bakerview’s. We offer traditional lawn spaces, indoor columbariums, family estates, and other specialty burial options that cater to every culture and religion. So, don’t wait any further and lock in your price today by giving us a call at (604) 670-7048.
Conclusion
Metro Vancouver’s cemeteries are facing severe space shortages due to rapid population growth and urban sprawl. Outdated land management and strict zoning restrictions have only worsened the scarcity of burial plots. This has led to soaring prices and limited options for families during difficult times. Pre-purchasing a burial plot now is a proactive way to secure a dignified final resting place for your loved ones.
Published: January 2, 2025
