Cremations and Funeral Services — Country Hills Crematorium

It has become quite common these days for people to choose cremation for their final disposition, which is a significant shift from the past. It has been estimated that over 75% of people in Calgary will choose cremation for their final disposition this year, with that number steadily increasing. While there has been much speculation as to why cremations in Calgary have surged in popularity, we have found that the most common reasons are related to simplicity, cost and a shift in societal norms and cultural beliefs.

Contrary to what many believe, cremations in Calgary still include a funeral service in many cases. This is one of the major benefits to Calgary cremation — you can keep it as simple as you like or have an elaborate funeral service. Here are some of the key reasons families are choosing cremations.

Simplicity — Many families feel that death should be a quiet, simple occurrence where the service is kept to a minimum and there are no burial ceremonies or processes to follow through with. Cremation can be accompanied by any type of memorial service the family chooses and the final resting place of the cremated remains is very flexible.

Flexible — Another reason so many families are choosing cremations in Calgary these days is because of the flexibility. A family will have much more time to plan a funeral and wait for family to arrive from out of town if cremation is selected. It also means that a family is not tied to one particular location, with the option to move the cremated remains if needed.

Religion — There are also some cultural and religious reasons that cremation is chosen. The number of people in Calgary observing these practices, rituals and rites has grown over the past few decades, giving rise to a higher demand for cremation as a final disposition.

Cultural shifts — As much as there has been an influx of those who choose cremation for religious and cultural reasons, there have also become fewer people observing religious and cultural rites that require burial. There is less emphasis put on religion in many communities and faiths, such as the Roman Catholics, have relaxed their rules around choosing Calgary cremation and how death is expected to be observed.

Values — It is a commonly held belief that cremation is a more environmentally friendly option than burial. While this can be hotly debated on both sides, it is one of the most common reasons cited for choosing cremation.

Cost — On the more practical side, many people and families chose Calgary cremation because it is simply less expensive. While a funeral for someone who has been cremated can still be extravagant and costly, removing the fees associated with burial can definitely decrease costs quite a bit. It is also unlikely that a family will select a more elaborate casket when choosing cremation and the casket is often one of the biggest expenses associated with a final disposition.

We are proud to support numerous families in the Calgary area with cremations and funeral services.