| walking tours |
| bird watching |
| hiking trail |
| meditative labyrinth |
| dedication centre |
| weddings |
| promontory pond |
| The Crossings - Children's Memorial Boardwalk and Gazebo |
| complimentary services |
| burial options |
| cremation options |
| dedication centre |
flowerbed services  |
| memorial wreaths |
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Cremation is a step in the preparation of the deceased for memorialization. Only one cremation takes place at a time. |
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Caskets or containers used for the cremation must be made of wood or other combustible material. |
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Prior to the cremation, casket handles and other exterior fittings are removed. Under no circumstances will any member of the crematorium staff open the casket or container. |
For cremation, the casket is placed in a cremation chamber where, through the process of heat (approximately 1800 degrees Fahrenheit) and by evaporation, the body is reduced to fragments of bones in two to three hours.
When this part of the process is complete, crematorium staff carefully removes all recoverable cremated remains from the chamber. Any remaining metal particles are extracted with the assistance of a magnet or by hand. The fragments of human bones are then mechanically pulverized into minute particles and placed in a sturdy container which is identified with the name of the deceased, the date of creations and the name of the crematorium – Williamsburg Crematorium.
Is a casket necessary for cremation?
Yes. A cremation funeral service is the same as any other. Regulations of each crematory should provide that all remains be received in a container that ensures protection to health and safety of the crematorium operator and provides a proper covering for the deceased. The casket should meet minimum requirements for proper respect and consideration, and should be composed of a suitable material that is environmentally safe.
What authorization is required for cremation?
An Application for Cremation must be completed and signed by the executor or next-of-kin. A Burial Permit and a Coroner’s Certificate are also required prior to the cremation.
Is a Funeral Director Necessary?
Pursuant to the laws of Ontario, it is not legally necessary to utilize a funeral director or transfer service operator. An immediate family member could complete the necessary documentation, place the deceased in a suitable container for cremation and then transport the deceased to the crematorium. A funeral director or transfer service can ably assist in these matters.
Is it possible to place personal items in
the casket with the deceased?
Yes, providing these items pose no health and/or safety risk to the operator and are composed of materials that are environmentally safe. Personal items are not recoverable after cremation. In many instances, families choose to place jewelry or other small items in the urn with cremated remains after the cremation is complete.
Is embalming prior to cremation necessary?
No, but the factors of time, health and religious beliefs might make embalming prior to cremation either appropriate or necessary.
Does the crematorium provide an urn for the cremated remains?
The crematorium provides a simple temporary plastic urn with each cremation.
Is it possible for families to witness the casket going into the cremation chamber?
Yes, arrangements may be made at the Cemetery Office if families wish to witness the cremation.
What is done with cremated remains?
Cremation is not a disposition. It is a method of preparing the remains for memorialization. They are still human remains and should be placed in a dedicated location such as a columbarium, a cremation garden or a family lot.
Is scattering cremated remains legal?
Not without permission of the owners of the property. Scattering Gardens are available at Woodland and Williamsburg Cemeteries. Keep in mind that a favourite place today may change ownership and development may take place. Religious leaders and grief counsellors have advised that a specific location such a s a cemetery burial site is preferred because they are permanent and can be returned to for reflection and closure.
What should be done if cremation is the choice?
If you should choose to be cremated, there are certain steps you should take in advance: |
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Make you wishes known. Advise your family members. Your will is usually not read until after the funeral so don’t leave important funeral-related information only in your will. |
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Consult with an experienced professional about arrangements that can be made in advance. |
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Select the final disposition at the cemetery. Possible locations are the cremation garden, columbarium, family lot, scattering garden or indoor niches. |
For further information call: 519-741-2880
WILLIAMSBURG CREMATORIUM
1541 Fischer Hallman Road
Kitchener, Ontario N2R 1P6