Cremation Services

Cremation is an alternative to the burial process and is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an
alternative to burial or other forms of disposition. You can have a service before or after the cremation, a
viewing before cremation, or simple cremation. Cremation also allows for the option of a delayed funeral service. An urn can be chosen to reflect your loved one's personality.

There are also many keepsakes available that incorporate cremated remains. Cremated remains may be brought home by the family, scattered, or interred in a cemetery or columbarium.

Cremation FAQ

What is Cremation?

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.

Is a casket needed for Cremation?

In Alberta, the law requires that a casket or cremation container be used for the cremation.

Is embalming required prior to cremation?

No.  Embalming is an option more often chosen if their will be a viewing.

Can the body be viewed without embalming?

Yes. Depending on the condition of the body, your funeral director may recommend embalming for a more peaceful experience, but ultimately the choice is yours.

Can the family witness the cremation?

Yes they can. Let your funeral director know if family members wish to be present when the body is placed in the cremation chamber. 

What can be done with the cremated remains?

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.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

We 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.

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?

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 plastic container.