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Affordable Cremation Services in Ottawa

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Cremation is an alternative to the burial process. It is chosen by many people because of religious beliefs, the desire to preserve the environment, or was requested by the person who died.  Cremation services are also a less expensive option in comparison to a burial.  

The remains are placed in a container that is combustible and placed in a special furnace called a cremation chamber or a crematory where through intense heat, they are reduced to bone fragments that are then crushed and pulverized to resemble coarse sand.  The cremated remains of an average adult body will weigh about 7-8 pounds. Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burial or other forms of disposition.

Cremated remains can be scattered or buried, or they may be kept with the family in a decorative urn.  There are many new and different ways to dispose of ashes today. Cremated remains can be placed in an artificial coral reef in the ocean, they can be launched into space, sent up in helium balloons, or spun into glass pieces of art or diamonds.

Some religions welcome cremation while others forbid it. The Catholic Church had banned cremation up until 1963, and burial remains the preferred form of disposition today. In other Christian denominations, cremation was historically discouraged but nowadays it is more widely accepted.  In eastern religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism, cremation is mandated, while in Islam it is strictly forbidden.  Orthodox Jews also forbid cremation; other sects of Judaism support cremation, but burial remains the preferred option. 

Our professional staff understands that your family faces many decisions after the death of a loved one. We’re here to help you understand the options to find the right burial or cremation services in Ottawa for your family.

At Heritage Funeral Complex we like to offer an opportunity for you to ask us any questions that you may have about funerals, funeral planning or a current / past service that we provided. Your questions will remain confidential and we will only contact you by your preferred method.

Cremation Services in Ottawa / Orléans—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 Ontario, Canada, the law mandates that the remains of a deceased individual must be placed in a closed casket after cremation. The casket may be wooden or made of any other combustible material. Depending on whether you plan to have a funeral service before the cremation or a memorial or celebration of life service after cremation, you can choose the type of casket suited to bid farewell to a loved one in a dignified manner.

Is embalming required prior to cremation?

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

Can the body be viewed without embalming?

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

Can the family witness the cremation?

Yes they can; some cremation service 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.

Can an urn be brought into church?

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.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

In Ontario, cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium in a registered cemetery, kept at home, or scattered.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

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.

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 weigh 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.

Please call us locally at 613-830-2305 for any questions you might have about cremation services in Ottawa.

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