Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it necessary to have a casket for cremation?
A: It is not necessary to have a casket, however it is necessary to have a container of some kind. It is provincial law.

Q: Why should I spend a lot of money on a casket when it's going to be cremated?
A: There are plenty of cremation containers or caskets available that are inexpensive and functional. You may select what is most appropriate for you and your budget. Some people choose to rent a casket with an inner container. In that case, only the inner container is cremated.

Q:How soon can someone be cremated?
A: Cremation cannot occur until 48 hours after the death has occurred. A permit must be obtained based on vital statistics information.

Q: How do I know that these are the cremated remains of the deceased and not of someone else?
A: There are extremely strict regulations and a code of professional ethics around dealing with death and cremated remains. Only one person is ever cremated at a time. There is no room for error.

Q: What is an autopsy? Is it always required? And can we prevent it?
A: An autopsy is a medical examination of a body after death. An autopsy can be ordered by the Coroner to investigate the cause of death. The Coroner may order an autopsy without the consent of the next of kin. Where the death is expected and the cause of death known, an autopsy is not necessarily required.

Q: What does an average funeral cost?
A: A simple service with cremation usually costs in the neighbourhood of $1,500. Some people spend more, depending on the amount of services required, the cost of the casket and other arrangements. Click here to see our price list. Having said that, we are prepared to help you at this difficult time, no matter what your budget allows.

Q: Why embalming?
A: Embalming is a technique used to disinfect, preserve and restore the human body to an acceptable physical appearance. Embalming restores the body to an acceptable physical appearance to allow for viewing, especially if the service is taking place some days after a death. By provincial regulation, embalming is only performed if arranged for on the funeral services contract. This is somethng we can talk about if you are uncertain.

Q: Where do I get a copy of the official death certificate?
A: We will provide the death certificate(s) on behalf of the Division of Vital Statistics.

Q: Do I have to use a funeral or cremation centre? A: No. But there are many details that need to be looked after. It is better that a trained professional help you through what might seem to be a maze of red tape, regulation and permit requirements. During a pre-planning session, we can explain these requirements to you.

Q: Are there any laws about scattering ashes after cremation?
A: No. It would be a good idea to consider carefully where you want to scatter the ashes. Cremated remains should not be scattered on private property without permission. Scattering means there is no permanent memorial site, but this might be of comfort to you. Other people save the ashes in a beautiful urn, or have the ashes mixed with clay and made into ornamental pottery. Everyone is different. Just be certain that whatever decision you make is not one you will wish undone later.

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Call us at 250.701.0001 or Toll Free 1.877.394.0001

H. W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre,
serving Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Duncan, Glenora, Ladysmith,
Lake Cowichan, Maple Bay, Mill Bay North Cowichan, North Oyster, Sahtlam, Saltaire