What are my Options?

Cremation provides you with many ways to express your deeply held beliefs, in terms of celebrations, services and final disposition.

We encourage you to make these arrangements ahead of time, and make sure your family knows your wishes and arrangements.

We also encourage you to consider that traditions about grief and mourning have developed over the centuries for a reason. Every person deserves to be memorialized. As part of the grieving process, it can help if there is a permanent memorial that those left behind may visit in the future.

All this is something to bear in mind while considering less traditional cremation services that involve scattering ashes or other, more modern options.

Bayview Cemetery offers you a wide range of options if you select cremation:

1. Indoor Enichement: If you decide to place your ashes in a niche, you can choose one with a glass or marble front, or a niche with a bronze marker.
2. Outdoor Enichement: Outdoor niches are also available, and are settled amidst the lush, meticulously maintained landscaping that Bayview is known for. Families are welcome to place flowers and ornaments at these outdoor niches.
3. Scattering Garden at Bayview: There are many misconceptions about scattering ashes.

   First, the remains of a cremated body are not really "ashes" as we understand them. Although cremated remains may look similar to “ashes,” they are heavier than you might expect. These heavy ashes don’t scatter naturally in the wind, as portrayed in the media.

   Bear in mind, too, that popular public places such as scenic trails and parks can be sold and redeveloped over time; consider this when deciding to “scatter” the ashes of a loved one at a beloved natural location that may one day be redeveloped and no longer accessible to your family.

   As well, public scattering is not encouraged, due to by-laws and community sensibilities.

   The Catholic Church does not encourage scattering of ashes and will not offer a prayer service if scattering is chosen.

   On the other hand, Bayview Cemetery offers only legal scattering garden in the region. Our scattering garden is exquisitely designed for this very purpose, and will be maintained solely for the scattering of ashes, in perpetuity.

   You may even choose to release butterflies or white doves during a ceremony held in this tranquil, lovingly tended garden.

4. Ground Burial (Plot): Choosing cremation still allows for the choice to be buried in the ground similar to that of a traditional burial. Please contact us at Bayview to ask about the spaces available.
5. Carillon Tower: Bayview Cemetery has the only tower of this kind in Canada.

   Cremated remains are placed within this unique structure, along with a personalized inscription on the granite exterior of the tower, which overlooks picturesque Burlington Bay.

   The gentle music from the tower can be heard throughout the cemetery, along with commemorative messages.  To view the Carillon Tower, visit our Photo Gallery.

6. Highly Personalized Experiences: Would you like your ashes shot into space? Buried in the sea reef? Transformed into a diamond?
7. Memorial Benches: Available in black or pink granite, inscribed family memorial benches are designed to hold up to four cremated remains.

   These expertly crafted outdoor benches are then given pride of place at family homes, cottages and other residences.

8. Green Burial & Cremation: There are options available to you if the environment is one of your top concerns. For example, we can provide you with caskets and urns made from earth-friendly, biodegradable materials.

   Ask us about the latest developments in the area of “green,” environmentally friendly burial and cremation options.

A Bayview representative is always available if you wish to learn more about cremation options. Call us toll-free at 1.800.563.4045.