As cremation becomes more and more common in Quebec, columbariums are also gaining in popularity.
Here you’ll find everything there is to know about columbariums in case you’re considering this option as a final resting place for a loved one.
A columbarium is an above-ground structure consisting of vaults (niches). These niches house cinerary urns, which in turn hold cremation ashes.
Columbariums are typically made of granite. Each niche is sealed with a plaque engraved with the last name, first name, date of birth and date of death of the deceased. Each vault can hold one or many urns.
Usually, columbariums are found in communal cemeteries or funeral homes.
The rich history of columbariums dates all the way back to Ancient Rome.
At the time, these underground or semi-underground burial structures lined the Roman roads, built on pieces of land sanctified by priests. Loved ones would gather at these sites to bring offerings and honour the life of the deceased.
These underground structures were an inexpensive way of marking the transition between life and death. However, some Roman columbariums were much more elaborate. The Columbarium of Pomponius Hylas, for instance, was decorated with frescos and intricate mosaics, and to this day remains a very popular destination among tourists.
As with burials in cemeteries, in the case of a columbarium, you must purchase a niche to hold the ashes of the deceased. Niches are sold by communal cemeteries or funeral homes.
Lease terms can vary in length from 25 to 99 years, which is the maximum term provided under Quebec law. Most institutions offer two options: 50 or 99 years.
Pre-arrangements can also be made using burial contracts. It is important not to confuse the burial contract with the prearrangements. Both processes are subject to very different drafting and cancellation terms.
We recommend that you check with your funeral cooperative to complete burial arrangements.
Each institution is free to set its own pricing policy. The price will actually vary depending on the niche.
Here are a few things that will affect the cost:
In Quebec, the average cost of a columbarium niche is $1,200, but prices can vary between $350 and $5,000.
Leases can be renewed upon expiry. The cemetery or funeral home will take the necessary steps to contact the descendants of the deceased. The process is usually quite simple as these institutions usually hold a permanent record of the deceased and their families.
Should the family of the deceased be hard to find, the funeral institution may publish a notice in the newspaper or Parish newsletters, if needed.
If this does not work, the institution can submit a request to the Court of Quebec to regain control of the space and lease it out to others.
Located in Prévost (Laurentians), Les Sentiers offers a unique take on traditional columbariums. We have created the very first ecological cemetery entirely dedicated to cinerary urns.
Although many people appreciate traditional cemeteries, the founders of Les Sentiers wanted to offer a lighter, more nature-inspired environment where death is less front and centre. Their unique concept has given rise to a space where people can come to find tranquility and peace of mind, and to reflect on good times spent with their deceased loved ones.
Les Sentiers’ indoor and outdoor columbariums are designed to help alleviate some of the emotional strain that tends to set in in traditional cemeteries.
Les Sentiers’ outdoor columbariums have been built with the utmost regard for the environment, without soil contamination. They offer families a calm, soothing space, wrapped in lush vegetation, to pay tribute to their loved ones who have passed.
Instead of being surrounded by tombstones, grieving families will find a place where life abounds and where their spirits can find peace and harmony. Les Sentiers’ outdoor columbariums are beautiful, all year round.
Most traditional indoor columbariums are confined spaces without windows. However, at Les Sentiers, we offer bright, inviting spaces.
Our two indoor columbariums feature large windows, allowing natural sunlight to come pouring in and making visitors feel like they are outside. Loved ones can come here to breathe in the positive energy and reminisce while surrounded by mementos of the deceased.
Single, spousal or family niches are available for purchase for 50 or 99 years. Visitors are welcome to visit our columbariums any time they please, no matter the time or day.
Merci pour tout, ce fut une journée vraiment formidable. Merci pour votre professionnalisme et votre rigueur!
Chantale Veilleux
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.
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Patricia Savard
Merci beaucoup Monsieur Tittel, vos services nous enlèvent un poids sur nos épaules.
Manon Laroque
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
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Elisabeth