If Cremated, What Would You Like to do With the Ashes?

If Cremated, What Would You Like to do With the Ashes?

The choice of what to do with your loved one’s ashes is an open door to many possibilities. You can choose to keep them, distribute them amongst family members, have them interred in a columbarium or scatter them in a favourite location or locations. Regardless of what you choose, you need to understand the options available to you and the regulations of your province or municipality. It can range from a certificate from the funeral director to a full-on permit. 

Keeping the Ashes in An Urn or Columbarium

Many families that have a loved one cremated elect to keep their remains in an Urn. Urn’s vary in price but all accomplish the goal of having a safe place to protect and preserve cremated remains. Urns can be kept in the family home on display, in private or they can be interred into columbarium at the local cemetery or funeral home. 

Distributing the Ashes Amongst Family

Instead of keeping the ashes in one urn or in one home, some families are electing to distribute smaller quantities of remains amongst multiple family members. This can be done through jewellery and paint infused with the remains, in smaller containers and much more. There are many creative examples out there on the internet that will help you make a decision if you are needing to find a solution for multiple people who want to or who are supposed to have some of the ashes. 

Scattering The Ashes, What’s Allowed?

Before you go planning when, where, or how to scatter the ashes, it is crucial that you understand ash scattering laws - which differ from place to place. This is something that you may choose to work with a funeral professional to make sure things are done right.

In Canada, there are no federal laws or regulations that govern the scattering of ashes, what’s allowed and what isn’t. When it comes to scattering ashes in Canada, it generally comes down to who owns the land that you plan to scatter the ashes on. Usually crown land and waterways do not require a permit - but it would always be best to consult the local authorities if you are unsure. However, you are fully allowed to scatter ashes on any private property with permission - if you do not know the owner, all you can do is ask. 

As an alternative, you could also scatter ashes in a designated area in a cemetery or at a funeral home space that keeps records of where ashes have been scattered. This offers potential visitors in the future a concrete idea of where they can go to pay their respects. 

Think About What They Would Want

It is also very important to keep the deceased's final wishes or memory in mind. If they did not leave behind a plan for you, then think about where you can legally scatter their ashes that would best commemorate their memory. Maybe it would be the family cottage or the back yard, perhaps it would be the local ball field or golf course. It may not have been done before - but always try your best to legally fulfill the final wishes of the deceased and put the commemoration of the life that was lived. 
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