Choosing a final resting place is one of the most personal — and permanent — decisions a family can make. Yet too often, people are forced to make that choice under pressure, with limited options, little information, and a ticking clock.
Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent need, knowing what to look for in a cemetery can make all the difference. Especially in the Lower Mainland, where space is limited and older cemeteries are filling up fast, it’s essential to understand your options and ask the right questions before making a decision.
1. Location and Accessibility
The cemetery should be easy for your family and future generations to visit. Some people choose a cemetery close to home or near other relatives who have already been buried. For others, a peaceful rural setting is more important than proximity to the city.
Look at the drive, the access points, and the surrounding environment. Will your family feel comfortable visiting here — not just now, but in ten, twenty, or thirty years?
2. Availability of Burial Options
Not all cemeteries offer the same types of spaces. Some may only have niches left for cremated remains. Others may restrict double burials or not offer family estates. If your goal is to be buried with a spouse or have your whole family together, make sure that option is even available.
Ask specifically about plot availability, cremation interment options, columbarium locations, and whether the grounds are still expanding or near capacity.
3. Support for Cultural and Faith-Based Needs
If your family has specific traditions — like needing a grave to face a certain direction, or requiring a quick burial timeline — you’ll want to find a cemetery that respects and understands these requirements.
This is especially important for Muslim, Orthodox Christian, and other faith-based communities in the Lower Mainland. Many municipal cemeteries cannot guarantee timely support or cultural knowledge. A purpose-built cemetery is often better equipped to meet these needs.
4. Long-Term Maintenance and Ownership
Cemeteries are forever. That means the people managing them need to be accountable, respectful, and transparent. Is the cemetery privately or corporately owned? Are the grounds clean and well-kept? Are there visible signs of long-term investment in landscaping, accessibility, and family amenities?
Choosing a cemetery with local ownership often means better responsiveness and a more personal approach to service.
5. Cost and Financing Options
Prices vary widely — and often with little explanation. Some cemeteries charge more simply because they’re located in larger cities. Others have added fees for things like grave liners, markers, or interment services.
Before you sign anything, ask for a full breakdown of costs and available financing. The right cemetery should offer flexibility, not pressure.
Why Choose Bakerview
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery was created to meet the exact needs listed above. We’re based in Langley but serve families across the Lower Mainland — with room to grow, dedicated cultural sections, and multiple burial options to choose from.
We also offer some of the most affordable financing plans available in the region — $300/month for burial spaces, and $99/month for cremation niches, on 3-year, interest-free terms.
When choosing a cemetery, don’t settle. Explore your options, ask hard questions, and find a resting place that reflects your values, your family, and your future.
Published: June 15, 2025
