Cremation FAQ

What is Cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame. It is a regulated method for disposition of a deceased body.

Is a casket needed for Cremation?
A cremation casket which most people know as a "cremation container" is required.

Is embalming required prior to cremation?
No.  Embalming is not mandatory by law. 

Can the body be viewed without embalming?
Yes,  family members may briefly view the deceased prior to cremation (this can also be known as an "identification"). 

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 chamber.  Some religious groups even include this as part of their funeral custom.

Can an urn be brought into church?
Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service.  Catholic Churches also allow the remains to be present during a Funeral Mass. 

What can be done with the cremated remains?
While laws vary by provinces, for the most part cremated 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.  

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 of between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

What do the cremated remains look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color.  The remains of an average sized adult usually weighs between 7 and 8 pounds.

Are all the cremated remains returned?
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 cardboard container.