The term natural cemetery is used to designate a burial site which has been turned into an actual green space. At Les Sentiers, our natural cemetery was created in a conscious effort to strike a careful balance between nature and our facilities for the utmost comfort of our visitors. It thus caters to the needs of bereaved families while ensuring an ecosystem-based management of the premises.
Not so long ago, most western cemeteries were designed the old-fashioned way, based on geographics: narrow rows lined up on a stony piece of land with very little vegetation. Well trimmed grass was granted at most a secondary role between rows, dabs of colour could be seen here and there from the few floral arrangements set up at the entrance of the cemetery, and only a handful of trees were left—for show, but only if there was enough space left. Vegetation was often seen as weeds whose growing roots and hanging branches would damage nearby graves.
The concept of natural cemeteries emerged in areas of America and Europe where upkeep procedures already suggested to let the vegetation grow freely over the graves and throughout the rows. At first, ecosystem-based cemetery management consisted in altering the layout in order for nature to become an ally rather than an enemy.
Slowly but surely, natural cemeteries are becoming more and more common, so much so that they have now largely gained recognition as actual green spaces. In doing so, these types of cemeteries are slowly moving away from their primary purpose and turning into destinations for walking, visiting, leisurely activities or simply transiting through the city.
With their more diversified and less structured vegetation, natural cemeteries often offer families greater intimacy when visiting their deceased loves ones. Also, being immersed in nature awakens feelings of calmness and tranquility, both of which are conducive to meditation and contemplation.
While there may be complexity involved in incorporating such cemeteries in high-density urban areas, they are an effective way of increasing the presence of nature in the city and promoting green urbanism. As for Les Sentiers, our natural cemetery is located in an area featuring rich vegetation. Through our ecosystem-based approach to management, our site has become a place of refuge for many species of animals and plants which thrive in its almost uninterrupted tranquility.
First, you allow vegetation to grow throughout the rows. After, you turn the walkways into paths, and you substitute compost for herbicides. In short, the goal is to focus on sustainable management that promotes biodiversity.
In addition to the layout design and upkeep practices, thoughtful choices must also be made regarding the materials and equipment used onsite.
The key is to choose locally sourced or raw materials that blend in with the natural environment. Chemically treated materials should be avoided in favour of natural products. These general rules apply for the buildings, benches and graves.
We could go on and on about natural cemeteries. It’s no coincidence that our burial site is as it is—designed with passion. We invite you to come and experience the difference of a natural cemetery by visiting Les Sentiers, a unique space where nature and peacefulness abound.
If you are unable to visit us, you can also go on a virtual tour or view our interactive map.
Feel free to contact us should you have any questions or need information.
Un weekend rempli d’émotions. Merci Les Sentiers qui est tellement un bel endroit….la vue, le personnel, l’ambiance, et j’en passe et que dire de la célébrante Suzie Prénovost une personne merveilleuse et humaine. Merci ma belle-famille d’amour Bon voyage papa, pour toujours dans nos pensées et nos coeurs.
Elisabeth
Je veux vous remercier, vous d’abord Monsieur Tittel, pour votre belle écoute et votre disponibilité lors du décès de mon mari Aurélien Boisvert. Votre approche est humaine et réconfortante. Également, je veux souligner le travail impeccable accompli par le directeur qui a officialisé ou plutôt dirigé la cérémonie à l’église et au cimetière. Il avait toujours le souci et la délicatesse d’aller selon le désir de la famille. Et à la toute fin il a adressé la parole comme si c’était le défunt qui énonçait ses dernières volontés.
Tous étaient unanimes, c’était spécial, unique et touchant. Il est vraiment dans sa profession. Merci de lui transmettre notre gratitude et notre satisfaction.
Émilienne B. Boisvert
Merci pour absolument tout. Nous sommes tous très reconnaissants de ce que vous avez fait pour notre famille.
Karine et Nicole
Tout au long de notre accompagnement, votre délicatesse a été réconfortante et rassurante, et ce à partir de notre première rencontre jusqu’à la mise en terre de mon papa.
Chacun d’entre vous a contribué à tout mettre en œuvre pour nous faciliter la tâche à chacune des étapes. Je vous remercie d’avoir rendu possible cette belle journée de recueillement et de rassemblement malgré des conditions sanitaires précises à respecter. Soyez assurés que chaque attention a été remarquée et appréciée.
J’aimerais que vous transmettiez nos remerciements les plus sincères à toutes les personnes qui ont été impliquées, de près ou de loin, dans cet événement.
Patricia Savard
Je prends quelques minutes pour vous écrire et vous remercier de la collaboration de tout le personnel de Magnus Poirier, Les Sentiers lors des funérailles de Mme Rita Brisson Paquette.
Nous avons eu beaucoup de félicitations concernant la célébrante, la chanteuse, l’endroit choisi pour célébrer ces funérailles et le service impeccable lors du petit goûter, etc. Bref ce fut un succès sur toute la ligne grâce à vous tous.
Andrée et Gilles Brisson