The City of Kamloops is increasing the price of sponsored memorial benches and trees while introducing a 10-year optional renewal fee.

Following a year-long review, the city is relaunching its Memorial Bench and Tree Program in March with numerous changes.

These changes encompass a rise in the prices of benches and tree memorials, the addition of patio tables to the list of items available for memorials, and the provision of sponsorship options for existing benches and tables at a reduced cost.

According to Jeff Putnam from the City, the cost of benches has been raised from the previous $2,800 to $4,000.

“Due to all the supply chain issues and internal costs going up, the benches were costing over $3,500. As a result of that, we had to increase the price.”

However, there is a silver lining, as Putnam explains. There are existing benches on the waterfront that can be sponsored for half the price.

“We’ve realized that there are actually existing benches in some beautiful locations that we’re suggesting we could sell those to anyone interested for a much lower price. If someone wants to sponsor a memorial bench that’s already existing — that doesn’t have a sponsor on it already — it’s only $2,000.”

Regarding Memorial Trees, Putnam mentions that the price has also been raised.

“That is another popular item. We had been selling them for $1,000 in the past but, our costs have gone up significantly there – at $1,200 now – so we had to increase the price of trees to $1,500.”

A new addition to the program this year is the option to sponsor picnic tables.

“We’ve got some in prime waterfront locations such as Riverside Park, and we’re making those available right now for $4,000,” said Putnam.

“If someone wants to sponsor a brand new table in a location of their choice, we can do that for $8,000.”

Meanwhile, Putnam notes that they are also introducing a 10-year sponsorship renewal option for benches and picnic tables.

“Memorial bench sponsors already, if that is existing, will be grandfathered in so, there won’t be any end to those sponsorships,” said Putnam.

“But for any new memorials, they will be sponsored for 10 years; at year 11, if they would like to renew it for another 10 years, it’s only $1,000.”

He adds that tree memorials will last for the entire lifespan of the tree.