As cremation becomes more and more common in Quebec, families may find themselves with many questions about how to dispose of the ashes of their departed loved ones. It’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations that apply to scattering ashes to avoid any mistakes and unpleasant surprises.
Whether you’re planning a funeral or simply looking to learn more, this article holds useful information about scattering ashes in Quebec.
In Quebec, the disposal of ashes is controlled by the Funeral Operations Act.
As stated in Section 71 of the Funeral Operations Act, “No one may scatter human ashes in a place where they may constitute a nuisance or in a manner that fails to respect the dignity of the deceased person.”
In other words, you may scatter the ashes of a deceased person as you please, provided they don’t constitute a nuisance and it be done in a way that respects the dignity of the deceased. That said, always make sure to comply with municipal regulations, and be aware that scattering ashes in public is forbidden.
Also, keep in mind that this decision could have a long-lasting impact on you and others. It’s important to think everything through carefully before reaching a decision.
As mentioned above, several options are permitted under Quebec legislation for disposing of the ashes of a deceased person.
Here are the 3 most common options:
You can place the ashes in an urn (biodegradable models are available) and then bury the urn, as you would a coffin.
We recommend the burial be performed in a cemetery seeing as burying an urn on a private lot may bring long-term consequences (we’ll cover these a little later in this article).
Les Sentiers’ natural cemetery offers urn burial services. Discover a natural setting with lush vegetation and several beautiful spaces like Le Boisé, Le Plateau, L’Étang and many more. Urns can even be buried at the foot of a tree. A natural gravestone or memorial plaque is then placed where the ashes are buried.
At Les Sentiers, families can gather near the ashes of their lost loved ones in a peaceful location, perfect for reflecting and remembering.
And, unlike burials performed on private lots, you’re sure to always have access to the burial site.
Columbariums are a common choice for cremation urns. Families select a columbarium niche where the urn will be placed and information about the deceased is then engraved on the front of the niche.
Les Sentiers features luminous indoor columbariums allowing loved ones to gather and reflect with ease. We also feature outdoor columbariums nestled along our beautiful nature paths surrounded by rich vegetation.
Some families choose to scatter the ashes of their deceased loved ones in nature (in a place that carried meaning for the deceased, for example).
This is indeed possible, as long as local laws and regulations are taken into account. However, by choosing a columbarium or a natural cemetery like Les Sentiers, those left behind are able to gather in a specific physical location which can play a precious part in the grieving process.
Should you choose to scatter the ashes in nature, keep in mind that you can still place a memorial plaque in our cemetery, even if the ashes are not buried alongside. This plaque will serve as a symbolic gathering place for those left behind.
While this practice is legal, burying ashes on a private lot may be construed as a latent defect upon selling the property.
If you decide to bury an urn on your land, you must think about what will happen further down the road. If you sell the lot, you’ll have to exhume the ashes. If you leave the ashes there and the next owner finds them (when digging to install an in-ground pool, for example), you may be forced to buy back the property, as the sale will have been conducted unlawfully.
Our team offers guidance to help you make the best decisions following the death of a loved one. We’re here to listen and to guide you with caring advice. We’ll walk you through every step to help make your experience as peaceful as possible.
Un très gros merci à toute l’équipe! En particulier pour celles qui nous ont accompagnés toute la journée. Tout s’est déroulé à merveille grâce à leur aide. Les invités ont absolument adoré l’endroit. Ce fut une très belle journée dans les circonstances. Ma mère aurait été très contente de la cérémonie et de cette journée.
Félix Morency-Lavoie
Je souhaite vous remercier de ma part et de toute ma famille pour nous avoir soutenu tout au long du processus. Depuis la crémation jusqu’au funérailles et malgré les petits pépins qu’on a rencontré. La cérémonie avec Mme Prénovost a été à la hauteur de nos attentes. Merci encore pour votre dévouement, nous l’avons tous apprécié.
Danielle Daoust
M. Tittel, laissez-moi vous remercier pour la journée d’hier. Votre personnel attentionné a fait en sorte que tout se passe bien et dans le respect. Encore une fois votre organisation s’est montrée très professionnel et à la hauteur de nos attentes.
Pier-Luc Cadieux
Merci pour tout, ce fut une journée vraiment formidable. Merci pour votre professionnalisme et votre rigueur!
Chantale Veilleux
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