Burial Options: Honouring Loved Ones with Respect and Care
Burial is the act or ceremony of laying a deceased person to rest. There are several burial options to choose from, each reflecting different traditions, preferences, and environmental considerations:
In-Ground Burial: A Traditional Choice
In-ground burial involves placing the deceased in a grave, with or without embalming. This option includes several key elements:
Types of In-Ground Burial Plots
Green Burial: Natural and Eco-Friendly
Green burial avoids embalming, caskets, and burial vaults. The body is placed directly in the ground or in a biodegradable shroud or casket to decompose naturally. Gravesites are often hand-dug, reducing environmental impact. Although green burials are environmentally friendly, they may not be widely available, as some cemeteries do not permit this practice. Green Burial Grounds in Alberta.
Mausoleum Burial: Privacy and Prestige
Mausoleum burial places the deceased in a secure, above-ground structure, providing protection from the elements and a comfortable environment for visitors.
Types of Mausoleums
Lawn Crypt: Protection with Tradition
Lawn crypts are underground chambers made of reinforced concrete and steel, designed to protect the casket while maintaining the appearance of an in-ground burial. Grass covers the crypt, and many include drainage systems to ensure proper water management.
Burial at Sea: Honouring Life Through Nature
Burial at sea involves placing the deceased into a body of water, typically in a casket or sailcloth shroud. While traditionally associated with the Navy, civilians can apply through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Approval requires proper site selection and permits to ensure compliance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. For those considering this option, it’s recommended to contact ECCC as early as possible to navigate the application process.
Home Burial: Legal Considerations in Alberta
In Alberta, home burials are not permitted unless the property is designated as a cemetery through provincial approval. This process involves meeting zoning requirements, establishing a perpetual care fund, and obtaining a certificate of approval from the Minister. Due to these regulations, home burials are generally not practical. For alternative burial options, consult local authorities or funeral providers for guidance. Choosing a burial option is a deeply personal decision. By understanding these options, you can make informed choices that align with your values, traditions, and the wishes of your loved ones.
- In-Ground Burial: The most traditional option, involving the placement of a casket or urn in a gravesite.
- Above-Ground Burial in a Mausoleum: Resting the deceased in a secure, above-ground structure.
- Above-Ground Burial in a Lawn Crypt: A chamber beneath the earth’s surface with the appearance of an in-ground burial.
- Cremated Remains (in an urn): Burial of cremated remains in a gravesite or designated area.
- Natural or Green Burial: An environmentally friendly option allowing natural decomposition.
In-Ground Burial: A Traditional Choice
In-ground burial involves placing the deceased in a grave, with or without embalming. This option includes several key elements:
- Casket or Urn: Holds the body or cremated remains.
- Gravesite: The burial plot or space.
- Headstones and Grave Markers:
- Headstones: Upright granite monuments.
- Grave Markers: Flat bronze plaques on granite bases.
- Burial Vault: A protective structure made of concrete and plastic, supporting the soil around the casket or urn.
- Gravesite Preparation & Maintenance: Involves digging the plot, backfilling, and landscaping.
Types of In-Ground Burial Plots
- Single Plots: For one individual.
- Companion Plots: Side-by-side plots, often chosen by couples.
- Double-Depth Plots: Two individuals interred vertically in a single plot, reducing costs.
- Family Plots: Reserved areas for multiple family members.
Green Burial: Natural and Eco-Friendly
Green burial avoids embalming, caskets, and burial vaults. The body is placed directly in the ground or in a biodegradable shroud or casket to decompose naturally. Gravesites are often hand-dug, reducing environmental impact. Although green burials are environmentally friendly, they may not be widely available, as some cemeteries do not permit this practice. Green Burial Grounds in Alberta.
Mausoleum Burial: Privacy and Prestige
Mausoleum burial places the deceased in a secure, above-ground structure, providing protection from the elements and a comfortable environment for visitors.
Types of Mausoleums
- Municipal Mausoleums: Shared structures for unrelated individuals.
- Private Mausoleums: Custom-built for families, offering exclusivity but at a higher cost.
Lawn Crypt: Protection with Tradition
Lawn crypts are underground chambers made of reinforced concrete and steel, designed to protect the casket while maintaining the appearance of an in-ground burial. Grass covers the crypt, and many include drainage systems to ensure proper water management.
Burial at Sea: Honouring Life Through Nature
Burial at sea involves placing the deceased into a body of water, typically in a casket or sailcloth shroud. While traditionally associated with the Navy, civilians can apply through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Approval requires proper site selection and permits to ensure compliance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. For those considering this option, it’s recommended to contact ECCC as early as possible to navigate the application process.
Home Burial: Legal Considerations in Alberta
In Alberta, home burials are not permitted unless the property is designated as a cemetery through provincial approval. This process involves meeting zoning requirements, establishing a perpetual care fund, and obtaining a certificate of approval from the Minister. Due to these regulations, home burials are generally not practical. For alternative burial options, consult local authorities or funeral providers for guidance. Choosing a burial option is a deeply personal decision. By understanding these options, you can make informed choices that align with your values, traditions, and the wishes of your loved ones.
