Choosing a final resting place for your loved one, or yourself is a critical decision. You have to consider personal values, cultural traditions, religious customs, family considerations and many other factors. In a region as large and diverse as Metro Vancouver, approach this choice without a plan and you’ll be overloaded with hundreds of options. So, how can you choose a cemetery in Metro Vancouver?
While choosing a cemetery in Metro Vancouver, you have to consider 8 factors. The cemetery needs to have an optimal location, cater to your culture and religion, provide burial options that you want and provide a clear idea about its services. It also needs to have a pleasant, and intelligent design, proper maintenance, and financial options that suit you and offer customizability.
In this blog, we’ll take a quick, but effective look into these factors. We’ll focus on specific things that you need to watch out for, and what’s a dealbreaker. We’ll conclude with an overall brief description of how major cemeteries address these factors.
8 Factors That Will Find Your Ideal Cemetery in Metro Vancouver
Without further ado, let’s look at the 8 factors that should define your choice in cemeteries:
Location and Accessibility
The first thing that you should note about a cemetery is where it’s at. The cemetery should be close to you and your family members, so it’s easier to visit your loved ones. You should also notice whether the cemetery is easily accessible through major roads and public transit. The perfect cemetery will also not be near noisy locations.
Cultural and Religious Accommodations
The next thing you have to pay attention to is whether the cemetery addresses your loved one’s culture, religion, and philosophies. The cemetery should respect and accommodate your cultural, religious, or personal preferences, and commemorate your loved one according to your customs, rituals, and burial practices. When you talk to a cemetery’s staff, always check if they inquire about these factors and offer proper arrangements.
Burial Options and Availability
Depending on your religion, culture, and preferences you will need specific burial options. Whether you prefer traditional burial options or cremation, the cemetery should have it available. Also, you need to make sure that the cemetery has enough space to bury your loved one and more. You may want to create a family legacy later down the line, and the cemetery should provide that option.
Consultation
One of the most crucial deciding factors in choosing a cemetery in Metro Vancouver is the consultation. The staff will be responsible for the commemoration and resting place of your loved one, so you need to ensure that they are competent. You can gauge their capability, care, and devotion during the consultation.
During the entire consultation process, the staff should do the following things:
- They should collect information from you about your loved one’s beliefs, cultural preferences, philosophies, and personal goals.
- They should discuss your preferred burial options, pricing, customizability and maintenance.
- They should display a deep or good level of understanding of your religious and cultural customs and rituals.
- The staff should give you a clear explanation of the cemetery’s regulations.
If the staff are professional, knowledgeable, and caring, you know that you are in the right hands.
Maintenance
Another key deciding factor for choosing a cemetery in Metro Vancouver is how well-maintained it is. You need to check if the management and staff are routinely and diligently maintaining the grounds, and conducting necessary landscaping for the betterment of the cemetery. Remember, proper maintenance is essential for family legacy, and the upkeep of your loved one’s resting place.
Cemetery Design
You may think that cemetery design is all about its aesthetics, but it encompasses far beyond that. Proper cemetery design creates tranquil spaces that soothe visitors and grieving. Aside from the psychological benefits, good cemetery design will also help you navigate the cemetery intuitively, manage circulation and enhance your overall visiting experience. So while you visit the cemetery, keep an eye out for these features.
Financial Options
Burials are a costly affair. While looking at cemeteries in Metro Vancouver, take a good, clear look at their pricing. Ask for the cost of burials, additional fees for services, and maintenance. Compare quotes from different cemeteries, and narrow down your options.
Another sub-factor that you should check for is financing options. Some cemeteries will offer you payment plans on burials. This will significantly ease your financial burdens. But do watch out for hidden interests.
Customizability
The final factor that you should check for is if the cemetery is willing to customize your loved one’s resting place for you. This is vital for commemorating your loved one, and creating a memorial for them that properly addresses their contributions, achievements, and legacy.
Now, let’s take a quick look at how cemeteries in Metro Vancouver address these factors.
Do Cemeteries in Metro Vancouver Address Your Needs?
Major cemeteries in the region don’t properly address every factor we’ve discussed. Unfortunately, all cemeteries in the area have seen a significant price increase, or offer burials at prices that cannot be considered affordable. Only a couple of cemeteries offer you diverse burial options. None of the notable cemeteries list their payment plans, and some may not have the option altogether.
Another issue these cemeteries have is lack of space. All cemeteries in the region have been in service for years, and have begun to run out of space. If you plan to establish a family burial site, you may not get the option.
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery. Your Perfect Solution.
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery is Metro Vancouver’s newest large-format cemetery. We have abundant space, and we offer diverse burial options for all beliefs and cultures. Our staff are dedicated professionals with a century’s worth of consolidated experience, and our cemetery is designed to house your loved ones for generations. If you’re looking for a cemetery in Metro Vancouver, you won’t find a better one.
We also offer payment plans, such as $300 a month for traditional burials, and $99 a month for cremation spaces with a deposit. So, give us a call at (604) 856-0330 and get a free tour of the grounds today.
Conclusion
Cemeteries in Metro Vancouver are not currently affordable or spacious enough to address everyone’s needs. The wisest choice you’ll make is to review your options today and pre-book resting places for your loved ones.
Published: March 2, 2025
