Losing someone you love can be a disorienting feeling. But with the help of a reputable cremation centre in Ottawa, you won’t have to deal with the chaos of preparations alone.
Along with our review of some of the top cremation centres in Ottawa today, we also cobbled together a list of FAQs at the end of the article.
How Much Does Cremation Cost in Ottawa?
Cremation costs in Ottawa can vary from one crematorium or funeral home to another. But here’s a table of regional average rates for some of the services required for cremation.
The Top Cremation Centres in Ottawa
With the related costs somewhat clarified, let’s take a closer look at the top cremation services in Ottawa.
We used the following criteria for this selection:
1. Ottawa Cremation Service Inc.
Founded in 1994, Ottawa Cremation Service Inc. aims to provide a more affordable alternative for direct cremation and burial services. It’s a business that’s duly licensed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario.
Its services are comprehensive so the bereaved won’t have to fret about things like registration, documentation, transportation, and other administrative concerns. The centre carries funerary-related items like caskets and shrouds, as well.
The rates for services are quite reasonable, with cremation fees typically amounting to just a little over $900. There are also other accommodations to hold the cremated remains for a limited time, as well as requests to scatter ashes privately.
Ottawa Cremation Service Inc. is staffed by a licensed funeral director at all hours for quick response to initial calls. It’s a straightforward crematorium service that unfortunately doesn’t offer memorial service accommodations.
The centre only demands payment in full once the cremation services are fully rendered. The downside is that it doesn’t offer a financing plan for its clients.
Pros
- Reasonable rates for services and goods
- Easy to talk to
- Prioritizes your convenience
Cons
- No financing plans offered
- Doesn’t offer memorial services
- No BBB accreditation
Customer Reviews
Kind, responsive, efficient and good value for money
“You can’t beat kind, responsive, efficient and good value for money. David delivered all of these in spades. Highly highly recommend.” – Lynda Partner
Provided excellent and professional service during a hard time
“David provided an excellent and professional service during a hard time. Very reasonable price. I am forever grateful to him and his staff for their help. I definitely recommend them!” – Helene M.
2. First Memorial Funeral Services
Established in 1996, First Memorial Funeral Services holds an Ontario Funeral Establishment License with the goal to be a “cost-sensitive” option for the bereaved.
Its cremation services start at just $1,415 (excluding HSTs and cash disbursements). Families or friends who want a celebration of life or memorial service for their deceased can opt for these, as well.
There’s a convenient accommodation for online arrangements with a licensed funeral director in attendance. This is available 24 hours a day and comes with a general price list so family and friends can plan the services in the comfort of their own homes.
First Memorial Funeral Services also offers pre-planning services to give clients different choices on how they want their lives to be celebrated. We find this particular service both a thoughtful and convenient one, though it would be great to have some price guides posted on the website for reference.
Pros
- Available 24 hours a day
- Affordable basic cremation services
- Offers memorial and celebration of life services
Cons
- Cash disbursements not included in the service fees
- Doesn’t provide a price guide for pre-planning services
- No BBB accreditation
Customer Reviews
The funeral director was very professional, compassionate, and understanding
“We had to arrange very quickly at the last minute for the cremation of my father as a result of rapidly declining health at St-Vincent Hospital in Ottawa. We contacted First Memorial and all arrangements were done over the phone. The funeral director we dealt with was very professional, compassionate, and understanding. The cremation itself and the return of the ashes was very prompt along with all paperwork that included the death certificates and all other necessary documentation.” – Rick Lachaine
The experience was entirely welcoming, and every detail was met
“The experience was entirely welcoming, and every detail was met. They make sure everything is taken care of and provide the best price and services.” – Kizzy Scott
3. Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery, and Cremation Services
A not-for-profit organization called The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation runs the Beechwood funeral, cemetery, and cremation services in Ottawa. It offers practically everything related to cremation, funerals, burials, memorial services, life celebrations, and even catered services in a single location.
What’s great about Beechwood is how it always has the diverse backgrounds of its Canadian clients in mind. In fact, one of the rooms in its memorial centres is the result of extensive consultations with a multi-faith council and local faith leaders.
And while its primary service deals with making the bereavement process a more dignified and solemn affair, Beechwood is also open to everyone who wants to have quiet moments. There are concerts held at its Sacred Space, a unique urban wetland, guided tours, and an annual spring display of over 35,000 tulips, too.
The website doesn’t list a price guide for its services and products or a calendar for its community activities. However, it encourages clients to make no-obligations requests and inquiries.
Pros
- 24-hour assistance
- A comprehensive range of funeral and cremation-related services
- Accommodates diverse cultural and religious backgrounds
- BBB accredited
Cons
- No service price guide provided
- Could have a separate section for the special calendar of events
Customer Reviews
The ambiance and the respect are stellar
“Nothing but praise for this Funeral and Cremation Services. The ambiance and the respect are stellar. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. Our Military and Veterans are well honoured with this cemetery.” – Gilles Laframboise
Always been treated with the utmost respect
“Visiting Beechwood is hard. But anytime I have been there I have always been treated with the utmost respect. My first experience at Beechwood was in 1973; my last was in 2018. I can visit with a lot of my family members at Beechwood.” – Brend Kropp
FAQs About Cremation in Ottawa
We hope that this review of top cremation centres in Ottawa can be a helpful resource for you and your loved ones. We welcome other suggestions for cremation services so please send us a message about them.
You can also read our other published posts about planning for the future: