Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Our arrangement office is located at #110 – 2025 West Broadway in Vancouver. Our sheltering facility is co-located with the crematorium at 11969 216 St, Maple Ridge, BC.
What does it cost?
Please visit our Pricing page for a detailed quote of all our services.
Where do you take the deceased?
Your loved one is brought into our care for sheltering at the crematorium in Maple Ridge. Once the paperwork has been completed and 48 hours has elapsed, they will be scheduled for cremation.
How long does it take?
The cremation can only be legally performed 48 hours after the time of death and all the authorization forms have been completed. Typically, your loved one’s cremation will take place in 5 - 7 days. However, there are occasional delays getting the necessary release from the hospital or medical certificate from the doctor or coroner. We will keep you informed in the unlikely event something like this occurs.
Can we arrange a viewing, visitation or to witness the start of the cremation?
Absolutely. We have a viewing suite at the crematorium and we can arrange for witnessing the cremation. However, there is an additional fee for these services. Check our Pricing page for full details.
What if I want to place the ashes at a cemetery?
All local cemeteries have options for placing ashes. We have relationships with several small, private cemeteries in the area who we would be happy to refer you to.
What are the restrictions on scattering ashes?
There are no federal or provincial regulations that prohibit the scattering of cremated remains, even in federal and provincial parks. You may also scatter in the ocean (see below answer to "What if I don’t want the ashes back?"). You can also scatter them on your own property.
Although there are no restrictions for scattering on public lands, you should not scatter on private property without the landowner’s permission. However, if ownership changes, you may no longer have access to the property which may be emotionally difficult for those who considered that location a place of pilgrimage.
The decision to scatter should be chosen carefully. Although the act of scattering over land or water may have idyllic appeal to some, it is an irreversible decision. Some people have come to regret that there is no permanent memorial site. You may want to consider a memorial garden at a cemetery instead. Most cemeteries have specially created gardens dedicated for this purpose. They may also allow for a plaque or marker in the garden as a permanent memorial to your loved one.
What if we don’t want the ashes back?
No problem. A few times each year we scatter ashes at a local park. See our Pricing page for further information about this service.
What if I want you to ship the ashes to another family member?
We can package and ship the ashes wherever you like. Shipping and handling charges are extra. You can also separate the ashes into smaller keepsake urns so every family member can keep a memento of their loved one. We can discuss this in further detail if this is something you would like to consider.
What if I would like to have a funeral service?
Typically, our clients make their own arrangements for a celebration of life or memorial service. However, if this is something you would like help with, we can refer you to Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel (604-463-8121). They have a 180-seat chapel and reception hall at the crematorium. So whether you want to work with us to plan it yourself, or work with them to look after everything, we will make sure you are looked after.
What if I want to publish an obituary?