Royal Oak Burial Park

ROYAL OAK BURIAL PARK – CREMATION: Straight answers to real questions about cremation related to the end of life. No family should have to face the loss of a loved one uninformed and unprepared.

Frequently asked questions?

What happens during the cremation process?

How long does it take to cremate a body?

Are cremations done individually?

Is the body exposed to an open flame during the cremation process?

When after death can a cremation take place?

Is any other preparation required prior to cremation?

Is it true that the bones are crushed after cremation? I've heard you don't get ashes back -- what do you get?

Is embalming necessary for cremation?

Is a casket required?

Are there special cremation caskets?

Can I bring my own urn?

Can I watch the cremation?

Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?

Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I chose cremation?

Can we have the service before or after the cremation?

Why does the Burial Park call ‘ashes’ cremated remains?

What can be done with the cremated remains?

Can I scatter the remains on private property?

What options are available for the final disposition and memorialization of cremated remains?

What is a columbarium?

If I'm going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed in a columbarium, or interred or scattered at the cemetery? Why shouldn't I just have them scattered in the sea or in some other place of my choosing?

Why is having a place to visit so important?

If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?

Can I take the cremated remains home?

How big of a price difference is there with cremation compared to standard ground burial?

Do all religions permit cremation?

What happens during the cremation process?

The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 800 degrees Celsius to 1000 degrees Celsius. After approximately, 2 to 4 hours, the human remains and the casket or container will have been consumed by heat and evaporation. The residue which is left is primarily bone fragments, known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and placed in the basic urn provided by the crematorium or placed in an urn purchased by the family. The cremation process takes approximately 2 to 4 hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled labeling and tracking system ensures correct identification of the remains.

How long does it take to cremate a body?

From receipt of the human remains at the crematorium to having the cremated remains ready for pick up by the family is approximately 6 to 8 hours. The actual cremation takes approximately 2 to 4 hours. The remaining time is allocated for administration, documentation, ‘cooling down’ and processing of the cremated remains.

Are cremations done individually?

Yes. Only one casket or container is placed into a cremation unit and cremated. The Burial Park has four separate cremation units which allow us to perform 4 separate cremations simultaneously.

Is the body exposed to an open flame during the cremation process?

Yes, the body is exposed to direct heat and flame. Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a casket or other container and then placing the casket or container into a cremation chamber or retort, where they are subjected to intense heat and flame.

When after death can a cremation take place?

Legislation in B.C. requires a minimum of 48 hours must elapse after the initial time of death before cremation may take place.

Is any other preparation required prior to cremation?

It is essential that pacemakers and some other implanted medical devices be removed prior to cremation. They may explode when subjected to high temperature, which can be hazardous to crematorium staff and equipment. In addition, any special mementos, such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process. Anything you wish to keep should be removed by the funeral director before the casket or container is transferred to the crematorium.

Is it true that the bones are crushed after cremation? I've heard you don't get ashes back -- what do you get?

A complete cremation is a two-step process. Firstly, the actual exposure of the deceased to several hours of intense heat and flame; after which the remains are mostly ash except for certain bone fragments, then the entire remaining ash and bone fragment volume is gathered and run through a processor, creating a uniform texture.

Is embalming necessary for cremation?

No. It is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with an open casket, or to enhance the deceased's appearance for a private family viewing; public health laws may apply and my dictate that embalming occur if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.

Is a casket required?

No. However, for sanitary reasons, ease of placement and dignity, provincial legislation does require that the deceased be cremated in a combustible, leak proof, rigid, covered container. This does not need to be a casket as such. What is required is a container made of wood or other combustible material to allow for the dignified transfer and handling of the human remains. The type of casket or container selected is a personal decision, Caskets and containers are available in a wide variety of materials ranging from simple cardboard containers to oak, maple or mahogany caskets.

Are there special cremation caskets?

There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets and alternative containers that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container to a hardwood casket.

Can I bring my own urn?

Yes — It would be advisable that you discuss this situation with the Burial Park prior to the cremation. The size of your urn will be of great importance if you plan to have your loved one's entire cremated remains included in this container.

Can I watch the cremation?

Arrangements can be made through the Cremation Authorization Form for relatives or representatives of the deceased to witness the commencement of the cremation process.

Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?

No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.

Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I chose cremation?

It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or in a crematorium chapel.

Can we have the service before or after the cremation?

It's completely a matter of family preference. Many times when a family is split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise may be achieved by having a traditional service first - to be followed by cremation.

Why does the Burial Park call ‘ashes’ cremated remains?

Ashes, as they are commonly referred to, are comprised almost entirely of the bone residue that was left after the cremation process. This bone residue represents the last mortal remains of a deceased person and we believe they are more than just ‘ashes’. It is our policy to treat cremated human remains with the same dignity and respect we would an uncremated human body.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremated remains can be interred in a plot, retained by a family member, scattered on private property or at a place that was significant to the deceased. It is always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place. Cremation is just one step in the commemorative process-- the preparation of the human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.

Can I scatter the remains on private property?

Yes, however if it’s not your property you must obtain the permission of the owner.

What options are available for the final disposition and memorialization of cremated remains?

You can choose from a number of options which include ground burial of the urn with some form of memorial or monument. Also available at the Burial Park are cremation niches in columbariums. The Burial Park also offers scattering services with numerous options for memorialization.

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is constructed of numerous small compartments (niches) designed to hold anywhere from 1 to 4 urns containing cremated remains. Royal Oak Burial Park has indoor and outdoor columbarims in many different configurations and sizes.

If I'm going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed in a columbarium, interred or scattered at the Burial Park? Why shouldn't I just have them scattered in the sea or in some other place of my choosing?

As long as it is permitted by local regulations, your cremated remains can be scattered in a place that is meaningful to you. This can, however, present difficulties for your survivors. Some people may find it hard to simply pour the mortal remains of a loved one out onto the ground or into the sea. If you wish to be scattered somewhere, it is important to discuss your wishes ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the scattering. Another difficulty with scattering can occur when the remains are disposed of in an anonymous, unmarked or public place. Access to the area may be restricted for some reason in the future, undeveloped land may be developed or any of a host of other conditions may arise that could make it difficult for your survivors to visit the site to remember you. Even if your cremated remains are scattered in your backyard, what happens if your survivors relocate sometime in the future? Once scattered, cremated remains can not be recovered. Having your remains placed, interred or scattered at the Burial Park ensures that future generations will have a place to go to remember. If remains are scattered elsewhere the Burial Park will allow you to place a memorial of some type on the cemetery grounds, so survivors have a place to visit that will always be maintained and preserved.

Why is having a place to visit so important?

To remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs. A permanent memorial in a cemetery provides a focal point for remembrance and memorializing the deceased. Throughout human history, memorialization of the dead has been a key component of almost every culture. The pyramids of Egypt, the catacombs of ancient Rome and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa are examples of memorialization which demonstrate that, throughout our history, we have always honored our dead. Psychologists say that remembrance practices, such as permanent memorialization, serve an important emotional function for survivors by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin. Providing a permanent resting place for the deceased is a dignified treatment for all human remains or cremated human remains and fulfills the natural human desire for memorialization.

If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?

Yes. At the Burial Park we permit two (2) urns to be interred into a plot where there is an existing casket interment.

Can I take the cremated remains home?

Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

How big of a price difference is there with cremation compared to standard ground burial?

The final cost of any type of cremation or burial arrangement will depend on the decisions you make. These decisions will include considerations for visitation, ceremonies, casket or container selection, urn selection, cemetery space selected and the form of permanent memorial. There is no such thing as an average price for these arrangements because every family is unique and has different preferences and needs. The options available to families are numerous and final costs can be relatively inexpensive or as costly as the options selected.

Do all religions permit cremation?

Some religions prefer cremation; some do not recommend the practice; a few do not permit cremation; most permit you to choose. Should you have any questions or concerns, we suggest you speak with a member of your clergy.