Cremation Services

Cremation is an alternative to the burial process and is chosen by many people because of religious beliefs, the desire to preserve the environment, or it was requested by the person who died.  Cremation may be a less expensive option in comparison to a burial.  Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burial or other forms of disposition.

Cremated remains can be scattered or buried, or they may be kept with the family in a decorative urn.  There are many new and different ways to dispose of ashes today.  Please talk with your funeral director. 

Some religions welcome cremation while others discourage it.  The Catholic Church had banned cremation up until 1963, and burial remains the preferred form of disposition today.  In other Christian denominations cremation was historically discouraged but nowadays it is more widely accepted.  In eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism cremation is mandated, while in Islam it is strictly forbidden.  Orthodox Jews also forbid cremation; other sects of Judaism support cremation, but burial remains the preferred option. 

Cremation FAQ

What is cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to ash using high heat and flame.  Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.

Is a casket needed for cremation?
No, a casket is not required, an alternative container constructed of wood, cardboard or any combustible material may be used.  

Is embalming required prior to cremation?
No.  Embalming is a choice which is recommended for those having an open casket or, if there is an extended time between death and cremation.  

Can the body be viewed without embalming?
Yes, some funeral homes allow immediate family members to briefly view the deceased prior to cremation.

Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes they can; some crematoriums will allow family members to be present when the body is placed in the cremation retort.  Some religious groups even include this as part of their funeral custom.  There may be a nominal charge to witness the cremation process.

Can an urn be brought into church?
Nearly all Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service.  It is encouraged that cremated remains be a part of a funeral as it provides a focal point for the service.  Please contact your church, or funeral home, to confirm these details.  

What can be done with the cremated remains?
While laws vary province to province, for the most part remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, placed in a columbarium, kept at home or scattered.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?|
All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error.  Since it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time, it is next to impossible to receive the incorrect remains.

How long does the actual cremation take?
It all depends on the weight of the individual.  For an average sized adult, cremation can take two to three hours at a normal operating temperature around 1,100 degrees Celsius.

What do the cremated remains look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to grey in color.  The remains of an average sized adult usually weigh between 4 and 6 pounds.

Are all the cremated remains returned?
With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family

Do I need an urn?
​An urn is not required by law.  However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the remains are to be interred in a cemetery.  If an urn is not purchased or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary container as provided by the crematorium.

<< BACK