Burial vs. Cremation: How to Make the Right Choice for Your Loved Ones

Choosing between burial and cremation can be tough. A lot of thought goes into making the decision, considering your loved one’s preferences, religious and cultural beliefs, and principles. Your choice must also consider your circumstances and be pragmatic. So, is it better to be buried or cremated for your loved ones?

 

Most people have to resort to Vancouver’s cremation services over burial. Affordability, urban environment, flexibility, and environmental benefits are the main factors behind their choices. However, burial provides a permanent resting place for your loved ones, helps observe cultural and religious traditions, and helps establish a family legacy. Your choice should consider which of these factors you prioritize the most.

 

It’s easy to make a hasty choice, especially after your loved one’s passing. But the choice you make will have a lasting impact. In this guide, we’ll discuss what people of Greater Vancouver prefer in burial vs cremation. We’ll walk you through their preferences and trends, and the benefits of each option so you can have an easier time choosing.

 

Which One Is Better, Burial Or Cremation?

 

In Canada, cremation became the majority choice in 2003. However, in Greater Vancouver, Cremation became the dominant option after the staggering rise in burial costs in 2015. In 2024, over 80% of people in Vancouver chose to cremate their loved ones. The high land costs for cemetery plots and evolving cultural preferences have made cremation the preferred choice for many families.

 

The rising cost of burials is the core reason behind the lower mainland’s preference for cremation and scattering. Although people can bury cremation ashes, even that has become so expensive that it is no longer viable for a significant part of the population. However, there are other factors at play. Let’s take an extensive look at the reasons why people choose cremations or burials.

 

Why Is Cremation Common In Canada?

 

The ever-increasing cost of burials is not the sole reason why Canada or Greater Vancouver chooses ash burials. The change in cultural preferences and recent awareness about the environment has influenced the general populace as well. Here are the 4 biggest contributors to why cremation is common in Canada:

 

1. Affordability
   

   
   Since 2011, the cost of traditional in-ground burials has been significantly higher than that of cremation burials. In 2023, a burial plot in Burnaby sold for over $54,000 online, whereas burial niches for urns were still being offered at around $5,000. The staggering discrepancy results from burial plots taking up more space, which has become increasingly rare.

   The high cost of full-body burial plots comes with even more caveats. Associated expenses, such as caskets, embalming, and graveside services, add to the already hefty cost. In comparison, families can often arrange a simple direct cremation for a fraction of the price of a full burial service.
   

2. Limited Land and Urban Density
   

   Greater Vancouver’s population density and stringent regulations have made it impossible for cemeteries to expand. Poor city planning of the area has led to inefficient land management, which has impacted cemeteries further. As such, it makes sense to save space by choosing cremation.
   

3. Flexibility and Simplicity
   

   Cremation offers more scheduling flexibility for memorial services. Families can choose whether to hold a ceremony before or after the cremation, and there are varied options for memorialization. For example, people can choose to inter the ashes in Columbaria or scatter them in meaningful locations.

    

4. Environmental Considerations
   

   Many view cremation as having a lower environmental impact than traditional burials. Ash burials take up less space and require less effort and resources to process. Modern cremation methods have drastically reduced the environmental impact as well, making it a ‘greener’ option.

    

Overall, there are quite a few compelling reasons for choosing cremation, and most of them align with contemporary needs. However, burial can still not be ruled out as a valid option. There are equally compelling reasons why a significant portion of people still choose to bury their loved ones.

 

What are the burial benefits in Canada?

 

Even though the cost of full-body burial is high in Canada, it is still chosen by a significant percentage in Greater Vancouver. For many, burials are a respectful way to honour their loved ones. And for many others, burials are a way to preserve the family legacy. Here are 4 reasons why the people of the lower mainland still choose burials:

 

1. Observing Cultural Traditions
   

   Certain cultures prefer traditional burial methods over cremation. Many of their burial practices stem from their beliefs about the body after death. The Ojibwe for example, believe that tending to the body after their loved one’s passing helps them in the afterlife.
   

2. Respecting Religion
   

   Abrahamic religions also advocate burial over cremation. While Christianity does not comment on the practice of cremation, Islam and Judaism prohibit it explicitly. All three religions have numerous examples depicting burial as the preferred method, with Islam and Judaism giving clear instructions on how to bury their dead.

3. Permanent Memorial Needs
   

   Burial provides a fixed, physical gravesite that carries on the memories of a loved one. It functions as a place for family and friends to visit and mourn. It’s a safe space for those who struggle with the passing of family members or significant others, allowing them to come to terms over time. A burial site or a grave can ease the psychological burdens of grieving, offer room for performing cultural traditions, and provide comfort in the long run.
   

4. Preserving Family Legacy
   

   Burial grounds, especially family estates, are important for preserving one’s family legacy. Through the family’s culture and tradition, they contribute to building an individual’s identity, purpose, and character. They play a vital role in this process as they are physical proof of the family tree, markers of family history, and anchor points for impactful family events. A family estate or mausoleum in a cemetery can preserve centuries of family history for future generations to learn from.

 

The need for burial comes from its cultural, religious, and emotional importance to people. For many of the lower mainland’s people, burial will be the only option to bid farewell to their loved ones. But then, what should you choose?

 

Is It Better To Be Cremated or Buried For Your Loved One? 5 Things To Consider.

 

It can be overwhelming to choose, especially when you’re emotionally compromised. So, we’ll help you make an informed choice. If you’re struggling to choose, try to answer these 5 questions in order of priority:

 

• What is your loved one’s preference?

• Do you have religious or cultural obligations?

• Is it financially viable?

• Do you wish to create a family legacy?

• How much does environmental impact matter?

 

After answering these, you should compare your answers to the advantages of both cremation and burial. Whichever option favours your answers the most, go with that option. But if you’re still hesitant and in need of expert opinions, you should come see us at Bakerview.

 

Bakerview Memorial Cemetery. We Do Right By Your Loved Ones.

 

Our staff at Bakerview Memorial has a century of experience in burials and cemetery services. Among cemeteries near Greater Vancouver, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, or Chilliwack, our staff is notable for their expertise in all cultures and faiths. We listen to your loved one’s story, principles, and preferences and help you honour them perfectly. Depending on your preference, Bakerview has both full-body traditional burial spaces and cremation niches across our beautiful grounds.

 

We currently have a spring promotion going on and you can save up to 25%. So, come see us at Bakerview, or mail us at info@bakerviewmemorial.ca today. Let us help you make the best choice for your loved ones. 

 

Conclusion

 

There are a lot of choices we set aside until the moment arrives. Death is morbid, and few speak of it while living. But it’s wiser to know better so you can honour your loved ones properly. Living with the regret of failing to do so is crushing, so talk about it now and get an expert opinion if needed.