Goats to graze at Brampton cemetery as part of eco-friendly maintenance pilot

A herd of goats will soon be put to work at a Brampton cemetery as part of an unusual new approach to maintaining burial grounds.

Beginning June 18, approximately 50 goats will be introduced to the natural burial sections at Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton for a two-day grazing period, with a second visit planned for the fall.

The goats will be contained within fenced areas and supervised by what organizers describe as an “eco-shepherd,” as they help manage vegetation across the cemetery grounds.

The initiative is part of a pilot project led by Mount Pleasant Group (MPG), which is marking its 200th anniversary by introducing more environmentally sustainable maintenance practices across its properties.

MPG is a non-profit organization that provides cemetery, funeral and cremation services across the Greater Toronto Area. Founded in 1826, it operates several non-denominational cemeteries, including Meadowvale Cemetery.

At Meadowvale Cemetery and another site in Pickering, the goats will be used to control invasive plant growth, reduce overgrowth, and support native vegetation without the use of pesticides or fuel-powered landscaping equipment.

Organizers say the approach is intended to improve long-term soil health and biodiversity while reducing the environmental impact of traditional grounds maintenance.

“As we mark 200 years, we continue to consider what it means to care for these spaces in perpetuity,” said John Perrotta, Director of Property Services with Mount Pleasant Group. “From goat grazing to beekeeping, we’re excited to take on approaches that restore balance, support biodiversity, and ensure our grounds remain vibrant, sustainable environments for generations to come.”

Alongside the goat program, Mount Pleasant Group has also introduced beehives at several of its cemetery sites, including Meadowvale, to support pollinator populations and promote local ecosystem health.

The organization says the goal is to reimagine cemetery landscapes not only as places of remembrance, but also as living environments that evolve with changing environmental needs.

The goat grazing program will return for another short period in the fall as part of the ongoing pilot.