What is endowment or perpetual care?

A portion of the price paid for right of interment is contributed to an endowment or perpetual care fund. Income from the endowment care fund is used to provide regular care and maintenance at the cemetery in perpetuity. Regular care and maintenance activities can include: cutting grass, re-grading of graves, planting and caring for trees, maintenance of water supply systems, roads, drainage, etc. The minimum amount to be contributed to the endowment care fund is governed by provincial law.

What guarantee do I have that Endowment Care will take care of the cemetery?

Endowment or perpetual care funds in Alberta are protected by law and are very conservatively managed. Income from the fund can only be spent on care and maintenance of the cemetery — the principal of a cemetery’s Care Fund is protected by provincial cemetery legislation.