Page 6 - Nelson Granite 2024 Brochure

COLUMBARIUMS 101

AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE FOR CEMETERIES? Myth #4: We allow in-ground interment of cremated remains
What would prevent a municipality, a church or cemetery board Fact: This goes back to myth #1; not everyone wants to be in the
from purchasing a columbarium? Here are some of the common ground.
misconceptions or myths about above-ground interment vs
traditional burial: Myth #5: Our community/cemetery is too small for a columbarium
Fact: No cemetery is too small for a columbarium. If you have an
Myth #1: We have lots of space left for traditional burial active cemetery, you need an above-ground interment option.

Fact: While space may not be an issue, being interred in the ground Columbariums come in all sizes. In order for Nelson Granite to
is a big issue for many people. Of the 70% or more of Canadians be successful, the columbarium has to be successful in your
who wish to be cremated, most of cemetery. A smaller unit would be
them are looking for above-ground more economical for a small
options. If these options are not cemetery while providing the
available, many will keep their above-ground interment
loved ones at home or inter option people want. As an
them in another cemetery. example, the smallest
community with a
Myth #2: Our burial Nelson Granite
plots are cheap columbarium has
and a niche a population of
would be too 58 residents.
expensive
Fact: There is more Myth #6: Our
to traditional burial community doesn’t
than simply purchasing own or administer any
a plot. There are also the cemeteries
casket costs, headstone, Fact: While that is often
future engraving for the second not the case, there may
interment, funeral costs and be the odd community that
interment fees. Cremated remains, isn’t responsible for managing
however, need only an urn and the engraving or bronze options are a cemetery. You should keep in mind, however, that in most
smaller for a niche door and priced accordingly. Winter interments provinces, municipalities or counties are required to take over
are also much easier and more economical. There is also flexibility any cemetery in their jurisdiction that becomes abandoned
on timing as loved ones’ urns can be taken home and interred in a or neglected. If there were no perpetual care funds given to
columbarium at a later date. the municipality, taking over the maintenance and financial
responsibilities of a cemetery can be a financial burden.
Myth #3: It would take too long for a return on investment Encouraging all cemeteries to invest in a columbarium now, or
Fact: Some cemeteries only sell plots at-need. In the case of a having one installed after the municipality has taken over, can
columbarium, it needs to be treated differently. The percentage greatly reduce the cost of adding a new cemetery to your budget.
of people who pre-plan their funerals is now over 50% and the
percentage of niches that will sell immediately for those who are
already deceased and sitting at home on a mantle is about 25%.
That leaves a small percentage of people who will actually wait
to purchase a niche at need. Even at a conservative mark up for
maintenance and perpetual care, the return on investment should
happen fairly quickly if marketed appropriately. As cremation rates are expected to climb above 80% in the next
10 years, 90% in some places, above-ground interment options
are no longer just nice to have but an absolute necessity in your
cemetery. Cemeteries generally date back to when a municipality
was incorporated, sometimes even earlier. They were considered
essential to building a community. As traditional burial makes way
for cremation, columbariums must be considered an essential
service in your cemetery.

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