Edmonton is facing an urgent and growing cemetery capacity crisis - and it affects every community.

South Haven Cemetery is projected to run out of available full-size plots by 2029, and Northern Lights by 2028. City of Edmonton Cemeteries leadership has confirmed that they are not approved for funding during the next budget cycle (2027 – 2030). Municipal Cemeteries was not approved for funding during the current budget period (2023-2026) and used its internal cemetery reserve account to fund this development, which is not available to develop new internal roads, drainage infrastructure, concrete grade beams, and grading/landscaping.  Without timely investment, families across the city will soon have nowhere to bury their loved ones with dignity.

This is not a Muslim-only issue. It impacts every cultural, ethnic, and faith and non-faith community in Edmonton. All of us rely on these City of Edmonton Cemeteries, and all of us will face the consequences if action is delayed.

The City of Edmonton only reviews and approves major budget allocations once every four years. The next budget deliberation/approval cycle is December 2026. If cemetery expansion funding is not included in that budget, Edmonton will face a severe shortage of burial space for years to come.

We, the undersigned, call on City Council to:

• Prioritize cemetery expansion funding in the 2027-2030 capital budgePrioritize cemetery expansion funding in the 2027–2030 capital budget at South Haven and Northern Lights and allocate funding for each budget cycle to ensure supply (availability) and meets and supports the growth of the community of Edmonton until South Haven and Northern Lights is fully developed.
• Approve funding to develop new internal roads, drainage infrastructure, concrete grade beams and grading/landscaping.
• Ensure continuous and long-term planning so that all communities have access to dignified burial options.
• Engage with cultural, faith and non-faith groups to understand their needs and ensure equitable access to cemetery services.

Edmonton is a diverse, compassionate city. Every family deserves the peace of knowing their loved ones can be laid to rest respectfully, close to home, and without crisis-driven delays.

We urge City Councillors to act now - before it is too late.