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 of cremation container (Casket). Typically, the process takes about 2 hours at a normal operating temperature of 1600 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Following the actual cremation, all bone particles and other materials are retrieved from the cremation chamber by sweeping them into a stainless-steel collection pan for cooling. Once cooled, all metal materials (metal casket parts, hip joints, & bridgework) are removed by both visual inspection and use of a strong magnet. The remaining bone particles and ash are then reduced into a small, consistent size and placed in the selected urn.
For those desiring cremation, you have more options and flexibility when it comes to service offerings:
- A traditional funeral ceremony followed by cremation and then burial
- Private family viewing to have closure
- A memorial service after the cremation has occurred
No. Ontario law does not require that the body be embalmed.Embalming, however, is recommended when a cremation ceremony involves a public viewing. Families may choose to have a private family viewing within the first 48-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, we have a variety of cremation containers that are very economical and manufactured specifically for cremation.
No. The crematorium will supply the family, usually with a cardboard or plastic container. If an urn is not purchased through us, the family can provide a container suitable to accommodate the cremated remains of at least 200 cubic inches.
Your options are many. The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, scattered on private property or open water (moving water), placed in jewelry. Our staff can assist you in exploring those options.
Cremated remains resemble coarse beach sand. They are typically light gray in colour but may be very dark depending on several factors. The cremated remains of an average size adult would weigh between 5-8 pounds and usually take up 200 cubic inches of volume or less. Except for some minuscule amount of cremated remains which cannot practically be removed from the cremation chamber, all remains are placed in the selected urn. If the amount of cremated remains cannot fit in the selected urn, then any excess remains would be returned in a temporary urn supplied by our crematory.
There are several choices available. These options should be used as a guide to help you create a personal ceremony that best suits your individual and family needs. The decisions you make truly depends on the manner in which you choose to recognize the life that has been lived. Cremation may actually present you with additional options in funeral planning:
- You can choose to have the casketed remains present for the ceremony
- You can have a memorial ceremony without the casket present
- Some individuals may choose to have a viewing followed by a ceremony at a later date
- Others may wish to have a ceremony in conjunction with the scattering or placement of the cremated remains
Religious positions vary widely regarding cremation. Some require it, others disallow or advise against it, and others take no position at all. Most, however, will allow you to decide. If you are uncertain as to the position your religion embraces, speak directly with your clergy.
Yes. Ontario law does require a Funeral Director if you are going to have any type of ceremony, view the body and for disposition of the remains by cremation or burial. They will also look after registration of the death with the province and will notify CPP and OAS of the said death.
