BROOKLYN, YARMOUTH COUNTY - A proposal by a Yarmouth funeral home to relocate its existing crematorium at the corner of Albert and William streets to a new facility in Brooklyn, Yarmouth County, has residents there rising up in protest.
Close to three dozen residents attended the Sept. 19 Municipality of Yarmouth council meeting where H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Homes Ltd.’s request for rezoning about one fifth of a 20-acre lot from rural development to rural commercial was reviewed to enable construction of the crematorium in Brooklyn.
Along with others who presented their concerns, Jeremy Watkins, who lives across the road from the proposed site, spoke to council.
“We are in the wind direction of the emission and I don’t know what the specific data is on what those emissions do to the environment, people, houses,” he said. “When we have our windows open at night, what do those emissions do to the longevity of people? Is it going to shorten our lifespan?”
He pointed out the likelihood of the development negatively affecting property values and asked what the psychological implications would be on children growing up in the neighbourhood?
“I don’t think that council took all of the implications under advisement,” he said. “They put it on the citizens now to sacrifice their time to appeal.”
Another resident, Eloise Forbes, says the proposed crematorium would be located on what would have been a beautiful house lot, next to land she owns. Her husband used to run a sawmill on the property.
Darren Samms lives on the Brooklyn Road and says he only has 18 per cent of his lung capacity left. “I’m scared for the pollution that’s going to come out of there. Any pollution is too much for me,” he said.
Carolann Samms has three grandchildren who visit every weekend. Her oldest has a bad heart.
“Are they going to be allowed to come if there is smells and emissions? I also put clothes on the line every day. I know it seems minimal but it’s part of my life,” she said.
Mike Sanford said his principal concerns are pollution and health effects.
“Many towns, cities and municipalities in North America, in fact around the world, have banned crematoriums in residential settings,” he said.
Andrew Huskilson said the existing crematorium in Yarmouth, which has been operating since 1993, is located in an area of 80-100 residents. The closest residence is located 70 feet from the facility.
“We have no complaints of odours at our present location and we do not expect any complaints at Brooklyn Road,” he said. “The residents all around are able to hang out their laundry.”
He added that from an environmental standpoint, the present crematorium meets and exceeds all standards and that the new facility would house a crematorium that meets and exceeds standards set in Ontario, which are much more stringent than here.
Greater demand for cremations has prompted Huskilson’s Funeral Homes Ltd. to pursue a new facility. The company is looking at alternative uses for the space that would be left vacant if the current crematorium is shut down.
“The work we do is very delicate. It’s not tasteful, but it is needed. It’s in my best interests to find a place out of sight and out of mind,” said Huskilson.
Crematorium discussion starts at 14:32
Warden Leland Anthony asked several questions of Huskilson, including whether or not the facility would be used on Sundays.
“You have to fully understand that we, my fellow councillors and I, represent the people behind you. They are our first concern on anything,” he said.
At the end of the meeting, council approved the rezoning application.
Concerned residents will be appealing the decision to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
Should the decision be reversed, H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Homes Ltd. also has the right to appeal.
