Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation

We have created a list of common questions that our funeral professional staff receive from families about the Cremation Process. Please read those questions and answers below, but if you feel your question was not answered, please contact us immediately and we will be happy to answer them right away.

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

A basic cremation, also known as direct cremation, would consist of just the preparation and the cremation. It would not involve any ceremonies or services.

A Basic Cremation can also be known as an Affordable Cremation or Simple Cremation.

No, a casket is not required, however provincial regulations require the body to be in a container for cremation. This may be constructed of wood or cardboard or a combination of the two. You may also use a casket that has been designed for cremation or burial if you wish. The difference is that a container normally will not have any lining inside where a casket designed for cremation will have a pillow, a bed and other lining inside.

No. In fact, it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

Yes, most crematories allow immediate family members to briefly view the deceased prior to cremation.

Yes they can; some cremation providers 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.

Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service. Most Catholic Churches also allow the remains to be present during the Memorial Mass. It is encouraged that cremated remains be a part of a funeral as it provides a focal point for the service.

While laws vary province by province, for the most part, remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered.

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, and the vast majority of crematories can only cremate one body at a time, it is next to impossible to receive the incorrect remains.

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.

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The remains of an average-sized adult usually weigh between 7 and 8 pounds.

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.

A Cremation Urn is not required by law. However, a Cremation 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 plastic container.

• What is Cremation?
• Understanding the Cremation Service Options Available
• Disposition of Cremated Remains, Which will you choose?
• Cremation Pricing Explained
• Cremation Merchandise
• Make an Appointment with a Licensed Funeral Director