What must happen for a cemetery to officially close?

• A. A formal legal process must be completed, and a Certificate of Closing issued by the Registrar.
• B. The Director can close it by executive order.
• C. A community vote is required.
• D. No formal process is needed.

Answer: (A)

Closing a cemetery is a formal regulatory action. Under the Cemeteries Act framework, the cemetery operator must complete a prescribed legal process through the Registrar. Once all statutory requirements are met, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Closing, which officially records the closure and stops all new interments. This certificate ensures there’s a clear, legally recognized end to operations and provides direction for handling remaining records, perpetual care obligations, and the disposition or transfer of property and funds. The closure cannot be enacted by an executive order, a community vote, or without a formal regulatory process, because the law requires official action and documentation to protect the interests of families, creditors, and the public.