Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Click on the questions below to reveal each respective answer.
Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone particles and ash through the application of direct flame and intense heat.
- There are two basic legal requirements which must be met before a cremation can be performed in Ontario. First, a legally authorized individual must give permission for the cremation in writing (Executor or Representing Family Member). Second, a local coroner must give approval for the cremation which requires a completed death certificate by a physician for their review.
It depends on the size of the individual and the type ofcremation container. Typically, the process takes about 2 hours at a normaloperating temperature of 1600 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Following the actual cremation, all bone particles and othermaterials are retrieved from the cremation chamber by sweeping them into astainless-steel collection pan for cooling. Once cooled, all metal materials(metal casket parts, hip joints, & bridgework) are removed by both visualinspection and use of a strong magnet. The remaining bone particles and ash arethen reduced into a small, consistent size and placed in the selected urn.
For those desiring cremation, you have more options andflexibility when it comes to service offerings:
- Atraditional funeral ceremony followed by cremation and then burial
- Privatefamily viewing to have closure
- A memorial service after the cremation hasoccurred
No. Ontario law does not require that the body be embalmed.Embalming, however, is recommended when a cremation ceremony involves a publicviewing. Families may choose to have a private family viewing within the first48-hours after death with or without embalming.
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.
Ontario law does require that the body be held in a rigid,leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer and handling. Today, wehave a variety of cremation containers that are very economical andmanufactured specifically for cremation.
Ontario law does require that the body be held in a rigid,leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer and handling. Today, wehave a variety of cremation containers that are very economical andmanufactured specifically for cremation.
No. The crematoriumwill supply the family, usually with a cardboard or plastic container. If an urn is not purchased through us, thefamily can provide a container suitable to accommodate the cremated remains ofat least 200 cubic inches.
Your options are many. The cremated remains can be buried ina cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, scattered on privateproperty or open water (moving water), placed in jewelry. Our staff can assistyou in exploring those options.
Cremated remains resemble coarse beach sand. They are typicallylight gray in colour but may be very dark depending on several factors. Thecremated remains of an average size adult would weigh between 5-8 pounds andusually take up 200 cubic inches of volume or less. Except for some minusculeamount of cremated remains which cannot practically be removed from thecremation chamber, all remains are placed in the selected urn. If the amount ofcremated remains cannot fit in the selected urn, then any excess remains wouldbe returned in a temporary urn supplied by our crematory.
There are several choices available. These options should beused as a guide to help you create a personal ceremony that best suits yourindividual and family needs. The decisions you make truly depends on themanner in which you choose to recognize the life that has been lived. Cremationmay actually present you with additional options in funeral planning:
- You canchoose to have the casketed remains present for the ceremony
- You can have amemorial ceremony without the casket present
- Some individuals may choose tohave a viewing followed by a ceremony at a later date
- Others may wish tohave a ceremony in conjunction with the scattering or placement of the crematedremains
Religious positions vary widely regarding cremation. Somerequire it, others disallow or advise against it, and others take no positionat all. Most, however, will allow you to decide. If you are uncertain as to theposition your religion embraces, speak directly with your clergy.
Yes. Ontario law does require a Funeral Director if you aregoing to have any type of ceremony, view the body and for disposition of theremains by cremation or burial. The will also look after registration of thedeath with the province and will notify CPP and OAS of the said death.
