Cremation has become a popular choice for end-of-life arrangements in Saskatchewan due to its affordability and flexibility. The costs associated with cremation can vary significantly depending on the city, the type of services you choose, and additional factors such as memorial services or urn selection. This guide will break down cremation costs across Saskatchewan, compare direct cremation versus cremation with services, and explore green funeral options as well as the recently legalized aquamation.
Direct Cremation vs. Cremation with Services
There are two main types of cremation services in Saskatchewan:
- Direct Cremation: This involves cremating the body shortly after death without a formal funeral service, viewing, or embalming. It is the most cost-effective option as it eliminates many traditional funeral expenses such as caskets and memorial services.
- Cremation with Services: This option includes a traditional funeral or memorial service either before or after the cremation. It often involves embalming, viewing, and additional services, making it a more expensive choice.
Cremation Costs Across Saskatchewan: City Breakdown
Below is a breakdown of cremation costs in various cities and towns across Saskatchewan, comparing direct cremation with cremation that includes services.
| City | Direct Cremation (CAD) | Cremation with Services (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regina | $1,500 – $3,000 | $4,500 – $7,000 | Regina has higher costs due to larger population demand. |
| Saskatoon | $1,400 – $2,800 | $4,200 – $6,800 | Slightly lower costs compared to Regina. |
| Prince Albert | $1,300 – $2,600 | $3,900 – $6,500 | A more affordable option for cremation services. |
| Moose Jaw | $1,200 – $2,500 | $3,800 – $6,200 | Cremation is more budget-friendly in smaller cities. |
| Yorkton | $1,200 – $2,400 | $3,600 – $6,000 | Lower costs for both direct cremation and services. |
| Swift Current | $1,100 – $2,300 | $3,500 – $6,000 | Rural areas like Swift Current offer more affordable cremation options. |
| Estevan | $1,100 – $2,200 | $3,500 – $5,900 | Smaller towns tend to offer more cost-effective services. |
Breakdown of Cremation Costs
- Cremation Fee: The cost of the actual cremation process typically ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on the facility and location.
- Death Certificate & Permits: Required documentation, such as the death certificate and cremation permit, generally costs between $100 and $200.
- Urn: Many providers include a basic urn in their package, but decorative or personalized urns can range from $100 to $1,000.
- Transportation: The cost to transport the body to the crematorium ranges from $200 to $500.
- Memorial Service: Families opting for a memorial service can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the venue and any additional services like flowers or catering.
- Cemetery Fees: If ashes are to be interred in a cemetery, the cost of the plot and other associated services can range from $500 to $5,000.
Green Funerals: An Eco-Friendly Option
With growing environmental awareness, green funerals are becoming more popular in Saskatchewan. These eco-friendly funerals avoid embalming chemicals and use biodegradable materials, allowing for a more natural decomposition process.
What is a Green Funeral?
A green funeral generally includes:
- 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 the use of embalming chemicals, which reduces environmental impact.
- Natural burial sites: The body is buried without a vault or grave liner in a natural setting, promoting the body’s natural return to the earth.
Cost of Green Funerals in Saskatchewan
Green funerals typically range between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the burial site and services chosen. They tend to be more expensive than direct cremation but may be less costly than traditional burials.
| 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 |
While green burial sites are still limited in Saskatchewan, there is growing interest in expanding these options.
Aquamation: Legal and Available in Saskatchewan
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. Aquamation uses water, alkaline solutions, and heat to accelerate the natural decomposition of the body, leaving behind only bone fragments, which are returned to the family as “ashes.” Aquamation was legalized in Saskatchewan in 2019 and is now available at select funeral homes.
Cost of Aquamation in Saskatchewan
Aquamation typically costs more than traditional cremation but remains more affordable than a traditional burial. The average cost ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the provider and additional services.
| Service | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Aquamation Process | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Urn for Aquamation Ashes | $100 – $1,000 |
| Memorial Service (if applicable) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Why Choose Aquamation?
Families opt for aquamation due to its environmental benefits, including:
- Lower energy consumption: Aquamation uses less energy compared to traditional cremation.
- No harmful emissions: Unlike flame cremation, aquamation does not release pollutants like carbon dioxide or mercury.
- Eco-friendly byproducts: The liquid byproduct from aquamation is sterile and can be safely returned to the environment.
How to Save on Cremation and Funeral Costs
- Opt for Direct Cremation: Choosing direct cremation is the most cost-effective option, as it avoids the additional expenses of embalming, caskets, and formal services.
- Preplan and Prepay: Prepaying for cremation or funeral services locks in today’s prices, helping avoid future price increases due to inflation.
- Compare Providers: Cremation and funeral service prices can vary greatly, so comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find the best deal.
- Choose a Simple Urn: Opting for a basic urn instead of a costly decorative one can help reduce expenses.
- Host a DIY Memorial: Rather than holding a formal memorial at a funeral home, consider hosting a memorial service at home or in a public space to save on venue and staff fees.
- Government Assistance: Some families may qualify for financial assistance from Saskatchewan’s government to help cover cremation or funeral costs.
