British Columbia (BC) is a leader in green burial practices in Canada, offering environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional burial methods. Green burials, also known as natural burials, emphasize simplicity and ecological responsibility, allowing the body to decompose naturally with minimal environmental impact.
What is a Green Burial?
A green burial focuses on returning the body to the earth in a way that fosters natural decomposition and minimizes environmental harm. Key elements include:
- No Embalming: Avoiding embalming fluids, which can introduce harmful chemicals into the environment.
- Biodegradable Materials: Using caskets, shrouds, or urns made from biodegradable materials like untreated wood or natural fabrics.
- No Vaults: Eliminating concrete or plastic vaults to allow direct contact with the earth.
- Natural Landscaping: Maintaining burial grounds as natural ecosystems, often with native plants and minimal landscaping.
Why Choose a Green Burial?
Opting for a green burial offers several benefits:
- Environmental Preservation: Protects ecosystems and reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional burial and cremation methods.
- Cost Savings: Eliminates expenses associated with vaults, elaborate caskets, and embalming.
- Connection to Nature: Provides a serene, natural environment for loved ones to visit.
Green Burial Resources By B.C. City
British Columbia (BC) offers a variety of green burial options across numerous cities and towns. Below is a table detailing available green burial sites, including their locations and contact information:
| City/Town | Cemetery Name | Type | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Royal Oak Burial Park | Dedicated Section | Royal Oak Burial Park Green Burial BC |
| Vancouver | Mountain View Cemetery | Hybrid | Mountain View Cemetery Green Burial BC |
| Gibsons | Seaview Cemetery | Hybrid | Seaview Cemetery Green Burial BC |
| Cobble Hill | Cobble Hill Cemetery | Hybrid | Cobble Hill Cemetery Green Burial BC |
| Surrey | Heritage Gardens Cemetery | Hybrid | Heritage Gardens Cemetery Green Burial BC |
| Parksville | Yates Memorial Services’ Nature Grove | Dedicated Section | Yates Memorial Services Green Burial BC |
| Penticton | Lakeview Cemetery | Hybrid | Lakeview Cemetery Green Burial BC |
| Chilliwack | Heritage Woods | Hybrid | Chilliwack Cemeteries Green Burial BC |
| Fort St. John | Woodlawn Cemetery | Hybrid | City of Fort St. John Green Burial BC |
| Prince George | Memorial Park Cemetery | Hybrid | City of Prince George Green Burial BC |
| Salt Spring Island | Salt Spring Island Natural Cemetery | Stand-Alone | Salt Spring Island Natural Cemetery Green Burial BC |
| Denman Island | Denman Island Natural Burial Cemetery | Stand-Alone | Denman Island Natural Burial Cemetery Green Burial BC |
| New Denver | Slocan Lake Green Burial Ground | Hybrid | Contact: 250-505-6472 Green Burial BC |
| Winlaw | Dumont Creek Cemetery | Hybrid | Contact: 250-226-7670 Green Burial BC |
| Powell River | Cranberry Cemetery | Hybrid | Contact: 604-485-4812 Green Burial BC |
| Telkwa | Telkwa Cemetery | Hybrid | Contact: 250-846-5212 Green Burial BC |
| Campbell River | Elk Falls Cemetery | Hybrid | Contact: 250-286-7275 Green Burial BC |
| Cortes Island | Manson’s Landing Cemetery | Hybrid | Contact: 250-935-6316 Green Burial BC |
| Cortes Island | Whaletown Cemetery | Hybrid | Contact: 250-935-6316 Green Burial BC |
| Cumberland | Cumberland Cemetery | Hybrid | Contact: 250-336-2291 Green Burial BC |
Note: “Hybrid” indicates that the cemetery offers both traditional and green burial options, while “Dedicated Section” refers to specific areas within a cemetery designated for green burials. “Stand-Alone” denotes cemeteries exclusively dedicated to green burials.
History of Green Burial Advocacy in BC
British Columbia has a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, which has naturally extended to funeral practices. The history of green burial advocacy in the province reflects this ethos:
- 2000s – Early Advocacy: BC’s environmental organizations and conservationists began discussing the ecological impact of traditional burial and cremation practices. This era saw increased public interest in alternative, eco-friendly funeral options.
- 2008 – Establishment of the First Green Burial Site: Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria became the first cemetery in Canada to offer a dedicated green burial section, called “The Woodland.” This milestone positioned BC as a leader in sustainable funeral practices.
- 2010s – Growing Public Awareness: Organizations like the Green Burial Society of Canada and local conservation groups worked to raise awareness of green burial practices. Public education campaigns highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of green burials.
- Advocacy for Legislative Support: During this period, funeral directors and cemetery operators in BC advocated for regulatory adjustments to facilitate green burial practices, such as permitting biodegradable caskets and relaxing vault requirements.
- Expansion Across the Province: By the late 2010s, additional cemeteries in BC, including Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver and Seaview Cemetery on the Sunshine Coast, began offering green burial options, reflecting increasing demand.
- 2020s – Mainstream Recognition: Green burial became a widely recognized option in BC, supported by municipal governments and incorporated into conservation and urban planning efforts. Advocacy continues to focus on expanding green burial availability in smaller and rural communities.
BC’s history of green burial advocacy underscores the province’s leadership in integrating environmental values into end-of-life practices.
Green Burial Options in British Columbia
BC offers several cemeteries with dedicated green burial sections:
- Royal Oak Burial Park (Victoria): Features the “Woodland” section, emphasizing ecological integrity.
- Mountain View Cemetery (Vancouver): Offers green burial options following sustainable principles.
- Seaview Cemetery (Gibsons): Provides natural burial options focusing on environmental preservation.
- Cobble Hill Cemetery (Cobble Hill): Offers a dedicated green burial section with a conservation focus.
- Heritage Gardens Cemetery (Surrey): Includes a green burial section emphasizing sustainable practices.
Green Burial Cost Comparison in British Columbia
| Service Type | Average Cost (CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Green Burial | $3,000 – $5,000 | Includes a natural burial plot, biodegradable casket or shroud, and basic interment services. Info: Green Burial |
| Direct Burial | $2,500 – $4,500 | A simple burial without embalming or a ceremony. Costs typically include a basic casket, plot, and interment fees. Info: What is Direct Burial |
| Direct Cremation | $1,000 – $3,000 | Involves cremation without a service. Costs include the cremation process, basic documentation, and transportation. See also: What is Direct Cremation. |
| Aquamation (Water Cremation) | $2,000 – $4,000 | An environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation, using water and alkali to accelerate decomposition. Costs typically include the process, urn, and basic transportation. Not legal in B.C. as of Dec 2024. Info: Aquamation FAQ |
| Traditional Cremation | $5,000 – $8,000 | Combines cremation with a full funeral service, including viewings and ceremonies. Cremation FAQ |
| Traditional Burial | $8,000 – $12,000+ | A full-service funeral with embalming, an elaborate casket, and a formal ceremony. Costs include plot fees, interment, and memorials. Info: Burial Questions Answered. |
Planning a Green Burial in British Columbia
When planning a green burial in BC:
- Choose a Cemetery: Research cemeteries offering green burial services.
- Understand Local Regulations: Ensure compliance with provincial and municipal regulations.
- Select Biodegradable Materials: Work with your funeral director to choose appropriate materials.
- Pre-Plan for Peace of Mind: Many cemeteries allow pre-purchase of green burial plots.
- Communicate Your Wishes: Document your preference for a green burial in your will or advance planning documents.
Advocacy and Resources in British Columbia
Here are some advocacy groups thay can help with green burial information.
- Green Burial Society of Canada: Provides information and resources for families and advocates.
- Natural Burial Association: Supports the expansion of green burial practices across Canada, including BC.
- Memorial Society of BC: Offers guidance on funeral planning and environmentally sustainable practices in the province.
