Effective November 1, 2026, the tariffs for grave vaults will be adjusted. A single-person vault will now cost 750 euros (previously 700 euros), a two-person vault 900 euros (previously 800 euros), and a three-person vault 1,075 euros (previously 1,000 euros). The council states that the purchase price of a grave vault is currently higher than the amount charged for a new concession, justifying the increase.
Four West Flanders arts festivals – Triënnale Brugge, Triënnale Kortrijk, Kunstenfestival Watou, and Triënnale Beaufort – will collaborate more closely from 2027 under the name COPPA. The municipal council approved an agreement for this with the cities of Bruges and Kortrijk, the province of West Flanders, and Westtoer. This collaboration aims to protect and manage the COPPA brand name and associated rights. Kunstenfestival Watou will benefit from additional financial resources, increased international visibility, more visitors, and will be part of a larger tourist circuit. Artist Joris Van de Moortel will create a connecting artwork in 2027, to be displayed at all four festival locations.
The OCMW (Public Centre for Social Welfare) will assist families with their heating costs during the winter months. The municipal council approved the minimum supply of natural gas and electricity for the period from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Families struggling to manage their natural gas budget or electric heating can receive support through the OCMW. The distribution network operator will refund 70 percent of the costs, with the OCMW charging the remaining 30 percent to the applicant. This measure also applies to families heating with a heat pump from 2026 onwards.
