Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for families in Newfoundland and Labrador due to its affordability and simplicity compared to traditional burials. However, the costs associated with cremation can vary based on location, the type of services selected, and additional factors such as transportation and memorial services. This guide will provide a breakdown of cremation costs in Newfoundland and Labrador, compare direct cremation with cremation that includes services, and explore green funeral options. Additionally, we’ll address the unavailability of aquamation in the province.
Direct Cremation vs. Cremation with Services
Understanding the difference between direct cremation and cremation with services is key to determining which option fits your needs:
- Direct Cremation: This is the most economical option, involving the cremation of the body shortly after death without embalming, a viewing, or a formal service. It eliminates many of the costs associated with traditional funerals, such as caskets and memorial services.
- Cremation with Services: This option includes a traditional funeral service, which may involve embalming, a viewing, and a ceremony either before or after the cremation. While this option allows for a more formal farewell, it comes at a higher cost due to the added services.
Cremation Costs Across Newfoundland and Labrador: City Breakdown
Below is an overview of the cremation costs in various cities and towns across Newfoundland and Labrador, comparing direct cremation and cremation with services.
| City | Direct Cremation (CAD) | Cremation with Services (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John’s | $1,500 – $3,000 | $4,500 – $7,000 | St. John’s has higher cremation costs due to demand. |
| Corner Brook | $1,400 – $2,800 | $4,200 – $6,800 | Slightly lower costs compared to St. John’s. |
| Gander | $1,300 – $2,600 | $3,900 – $6,500 | A more affordable option for cremation services. |
| Grand Falls-Windsor | $1,300 – $2,500 | $3,800 – $6,200 | Smaller cities like Grand Falls-Windsor offer budget-friendly services. |
| Labrador City | $1,200 – $2,400 | $3,700 – $6,000 | Rural locations like Labrador City tend to offer lower cremation costs. |
Breakdown of Cremation Costs
- Cremation Fee: The cremation process typically ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on the facility and location.
- Death Certificate & Permits: Required documentation usually costs between $100 and $200.
- Urn: Some cremation packages include a basic urn, but families may choose a personalized urn, which can range from $100 to $1,000.
- Transportation: The cost of transporting the body to the crematorium generally ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the distance and provider.
- Memorial Services: If a memorial service is included, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the venue, staffing, and additional options such as catering or floral arrangements.
- Cemetery Fees: If the ashes are to be interred in a cemetery, additional costs for the plot and interment services can range from $500 to $5,000.
Green Funerals: An Eco-Friendly Option
As awareness of environmental issues grows, more families are exploring green funerals as a sustainable alternative to traditional cremation or burial. Green funerals avoid embalming chemicals and use biodegradable materials, allowing for a natural decomposition process.
What is a Green Funeral?
Green funerals generally involve:
- Biodegradable caskets or shrouds: Instead of using traditional materials like metal or hardwood, biodegradable materials such as bamboo, wicker, or cotton are used.
- No embalming: Green funerals avoid chemical embalming to reduce environmental impact.
- Natural burial sites: These sites allow the body to decompose naturally, often without the use of concrete vaults or liners.
Cost of Green Funerals in Newfoundland and Labrador
While green funerals are becoming more popular, they are still relatively new in Newfoundland and Labrador. The cost of a green funeral generally ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the location and the services chosen.
| Green Funeral Element | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable casket | $500 – $1,500 |
| Natural burial plot | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Burial shroud | $200 – $500 |
| Memorial tree planting (optional) | $100 – $500 |
As green burial sites continue to develop in the province, it is worth checking with local providers for the most up-to-date options and pricing.
Aquamation: Unavailable in Newfoundland and Labrador
Although aquamation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation) is available in some provinces as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation, it is not currently available in Newfoundland and Labrador. Aquamation uses water and alkaline solutions to decompose the body, offering a lower environmental impact compared to flame-based cremation. While it is not yet an option in this province, families interested in eco-conscious funeral options may consider green funerals until aquamation becomes legalized in Newfoundland and Labrador.
How to Save on Cremation and Funeral Costs
- Choose Direct Cremation: Direct cremation is the most cost-effective option, as it avoids the additional expenses associated with embalming, casket rentals, and formal services.
- Preplan and Prepay: Prepaying for cremation services allows families to lock in current prices and avoid potential inflationary increases.
- Compare Providers: Cremation and funeral service costs can vary significantly between providers, so it’s worth comparing quotes from multiple funeral homes to find the best pricing.
- Opt for a Basic Urn: Choosing a simple, standard urn instead of a costly decorative one can help keep costs down.
- Host a DIY Memorial: Consider holding a memorial service at home or a public venue instead of paying for a formal service at a funeral home. This can significantly reduce expenses.
- Explore Government Assistance: Low-income families may be eligible for financial assistance through programs such as Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Children, Seniors, and Social Development, which can help cover funeral and cremation costs.
