Cremation FAQs

The cremation process consists of several stages that can take several hours depending on the size and weight of the deceased and type of casket or container. The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where it is subjected to intense heat, consuming all substances except bone fragments and any non-combustible materials that were not removed prior to cremation such as orthopaedic metals from surgical implants. The cremated remains are carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Following a cooling period, any remains metal or orthopaedic implants are separated from the cremated remains and recycled. The bone fragments are then reduced into fine particles by a mechanical process and placed in a temporary container provided by our crematorium or an urn purchased by the family.

We require a completed and signed Application for Cremation and Contract, Coroner’s Cremation Certificate signed by an Ontario Coroner, and a Burial Permit issued by the Registrar General showing that the death has been registered with the government before a cremation can take place.

Cremation is an irreversible process and because the process itself will eliminate any ability to determine exact cause of death, Ontario law requires that a coroner or medical examiner authorize each cremation. We will complete cremations after at least 48 hours from the time of death given that all required paperwork is completed,  unless otherwise directed in writing by the Executor or next of kin requesting the cremation on the Application for Cremation. Most cremations occur within 2 to 5 business days from the date the deceased is delivered to the crematorium.

Yes, once the casket/container is consumed, the body is exposed to direct heat and flame. Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a casket or container and then placing the casket or container into a cremation chamber, where they are subjected to intense heat and flame.

No, in most cases embalming is your choice. It may depend on such factors as time, health, religious beliefs, whether or not there will be a viewing of the body, funeral service or whether there is a temperature controlled area available. Embalming may also be necessary if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.

Ontario law requires a closed casket or rigid container made of wood or other combustible material to allow for the dignified handling of human remains. The type of casket or container is a personal decision. Consideration of funeral details such as whether there may be a service prior to the cremation or a memorial celebration afterwards may help in deciding casket or container preference. Many funeral homes also offer a ceremonial or rental casket that has a removable wooden interior in which the body is placed. These caskets are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, affordable and an environmentally conscious alternative to purchasing a casket for a visitation service. Once the service is complete the inner liner containing the body is removed from the rental portion of the casket, a lid is placed on it and is then transferred to the crematorium.

There are some restrictions on the types of caskets or containers that can be cremated. Metal caskets or containers cannot be cremated. Caskets or containers made of or containing non-flammable or hazardous materials such as white metal, metal box springs, glass objects, chlorinated plastic or fibre reinforced plastic cannot be cremated. Aside from these restrictions, the type of casket or container selected is a personal decision. Caskets or containers are available in a wide variety of materials ranging from simple containers made of cardboard, MDF or pine, to cloth covered caskets, and even handcrafted hardwood caskets.

Yes, under no circumstances is the casket or container opened by our crematorium staff. Prior to cremation taking place, metal casket handles and other exterior metal casket fittings will be removed by the crematorium to prevent damage to the equipment and recycled with the permission of the Applicant for Cremation.

In Ontario by law that pacemakers, defibrillators and other medical implants (including radioactive implants) be removed before the deceased is transported to the crematorium. Such devices may explode when subjected to high temperatures, which can be hazardous to our staff and equipment. LC will not under any circumstances, cremate an individual who has received implanted microscopic radioactive brachytherapy treatment such as Thera-seed within the last 2 years.

Yes, providing these items pose no health and/or safety risk during the cremation and are composed of materials that are environmentally safe. Please keep in mind that personal items are not recoverable after the cremation. In many instances, families choose to place jewellery or other small items in the urn with the cremated remains after the cremation is complete.

The extreme temperature attained during the cremation destroys items of jewellery as well as gold teeth and dental work making them unrecoverable. If you wish to keep any jewellery we suggest they be removed before the casket or container is transferred to the crematorium. Metal surgical implants like hip replacements made of titanium typically withstand the cremation process but are removed prior to processing and recycled.

Yes, our crematorium can accommodate public witnessing. You may make arrangements in advance with our staff to witness the casket or container being placed into the cremation chamber. You may even initiate the cremation process itself.

Throughout the cremation process, we use a metal identification tag with a unique numbering system to ensure proper identification. This tag is assigned to the casketed remains and contains Lakefield Cemetery’s name and an identification number unique to the deceased. The metal tag accompanies the remains throughout the various stages of cremation and is placed in the cremation urn during final packaging. If you are still uneasy we suggest scheduling a witnessing to ensure peace of mind.

Cremated remains or ashes of an average adult weigh between 2 and 4 kilograms and are usually gray in colour and look similar to course sand once processed.

Generally, the cremated remains will be released within 2 to 5 business days from the date the casket or container is received at our crematorium. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to expedite the process. Please consult our staff to make arrangements. We will release the remains only to the individual, with appropriate photo identification or the funeral home designated on the Cremation Application.

Cremated remains are placed in a poly-film bag and placed in a temporary cardboard container provided by our crematorium or in an urn or container provided or purchased by the family. In the event that the urn or container supplied will not hold all of the cremated remains, an additional container will be used.

Urns come in a wide range of styles, sizes, materials and prices. Some commonly chosen options include urns made from wood, bronze, marble, ceramic, glass or biodegradable materials. Cremation also allows for a variety of keepsake options that can help you feel continually connected to a departed loved one and preserve their memory in a more physical way. For example, a small amount of ashes can be placed within a piece of keepsake jewellery, a small keepsake urn, or even a plush teddy bear.

Yes, however it would be advisable that you discuss this situation with our staff or the funeral home prior to cremation. The size of the urn is important so that it can house all of the cremated remains. Also, if the urn will be placed in a niche, it is important to ensure the niche dimensions will accommodate the size of urn selected.

Yes, cremated remains may be carried by hand or mailed to another destination. For mailing the only public carrier that will deliver cremated remains is Canada Post, and they should be sent via registered mail to help track the urn in transit. For more information on shipping requirements please visit www.canadapost.ca. If you are taking the remains on a plane, the urn or container should be placed in your carry on luggage only. The urn must be able to pass through the x-ray to be permitted through security. Due to differences in thickness, shape and material, some urns or containers such as plastic, cardboard or cloth, are more likely to clear the security screening while metal, granite and ceramic containers are less likely to be permitted. Screening officers are not allowed to open the urn or container nor will they inspect the contents if you open it. It is advisable to carry the death and cremation certificates as well as a letter of content. For more information, you can visit www.catsa.gc.ca or call 1-800-O-Canada.

The basic charge for cremation is somewhat less than traditional burial. However, with so many items of service available to the family both in the funeral service before, in the mode of disposition after, as well as memorialization option chosen it’s not possible to make an accurate comparison. Again, the family has the option to select as much or as little as they wish and with cremation they have more options for disposition.

As wills are generally read after the funeral, it is best to let your Executor and family know in advance of your wish to be cremated and ensure they agree to abide by your wish. It can be helpful to pre-plan your cremation. Keep in mind, however, that an individual is not permitted under law to authorize their own cremation. The Executor and/or next of kin bear legal responsibility in the disposition of the deceased and have final say on whether to proceed with cremation.

No. The cremation process is irreversible and all genealogical and medical DNA are destroyed by the intense heat during the cremation.

No, we will only cremate human remains. There are crematoriums that specifically cremate pets, your local veterinarian or humane society should be able to provide you with further information.

You need to decide what should be done with the ashes.
Ashes can be buried in a grave or lot; placed in a niche above ground; scattered in a cemetery garden, cremation ossuary or some other meaningful place such as at sea or land in accordance with provincial or local laws; turned into a diamond; incorporated into a record. There are numerous options and you are really only limited by your imagination.
If you are not ready to make a decision regarding a final resting place at this time, they can be taken home.

Yes, with permission of the land owner. Scattering on Crown land including land covered by water is permissible if it unoccupied. For scattering on municipally owned land, contact the local or regional municipality to determine if there are any restrictions. Bear in mind that scattering outside of a cemetery does not provide for a permanent record of their final resting place and may not provide a permanent memorial as the location may be sold, redeveloped, or have access restricted in the future.

Cemeteries in Ontario are maintained and preserved forever. Whether the ashes are placed in a grave or a niche or scattered, a cemetery provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased and ensures that future generations will have a permanent record and place to visit and remember their loved ones.