Columbaria FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Columbaria and
Niche Spaces at the Courtenay Cemetery
1. What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is an above ground structure specifically designed to hold urns containing cremated remains.
2. What is a niche?
A niche is an individual compartment in a columbarium
3. How many urns can go in a niche?
The Cemetery Management Bylaw states that two sets of ashes are permitted. However, it is the responsibility of the licencee to ensure that the urns used are sized to fit inside the niche.
4. What are inside dimensions of a niche?
The interior dimensions is 11 7/8” deep, 11 7/8” wide and 11 7/8” high. The front opening is slightly smaller 11 ½ “, so the urn may need to be tipped slightly to enter the niche.
5. Is there a special kind of urn or container that the cremated remains need to be in?
Each niche is designed with an aluminum insert with a moisture dissipation system. However, there is still the risk of condensation entering the niche space. The City strongly recommends the use of a non-biodegradable container for all cremated remains placed in the niches.
6. What if my urn is too big for the niche or if I can only fit one urn?
It is the responsibility of the family and Funeral Director to ensure that the urns used will fit within the niche.
7. How secure are the niches?
These niches are designed with a patented security system to discourage and prevent unauthorized entry.
8. How many niches may a person purchase?
The City through its Cemetery Management Bylaw can limit the sale to two niches per person. Niches cannot be resold privately, only transferred to family members. The transfer, plus a transfer fee, must be coordinated through the City.
9. Can a niche be sold back to the City?
Yes, however, the original price paid will be refunded less the care and maintenance portion.
10. Can a niche be traded for a burial plot or in ground cremation plot?
Yes, the original price of a niche can be applied towards the purchase of another space in the cemetery.
11. How long do I own the niche?
Provincial laws stipulates that you own the internment right in perpetuity (forever).
12. How much does a niche cost?
The inurnment rights for the niches are $1,000.00.
13. What do we ‘own’ when we purchase a niche?
All you are purchasing is the "interment rights" for that space – the right to place cremated remains inside in perpetuity. You acquire no other interest or rights in the niche, columbaria or cemetery. The entire columbaria remains the sole property of the City of Courtenay. This is provincial law and applies to all grave space in all cemeteries in BC and in most provinces.
14. What type of memorial is used on the front of the niche?
The niche fronts remain the sole property of the City and only bronze plaques ordered through the City can be used. The design of the plaques are all the same.
15. Can I have a picture or image engraved on the niche front?
Only the City issued bronze plaque. However, porcelain memorial portraits are permitted on niche fronts provided they are supplied and installed by the City and conform to the approved design and specifications as established by the City. Contact the cemetery department at City Hall for information and pricing.
16. Can I have someone else make the bronze plaque?
No. The City owns the columbaria including the niche fronts and reserves the right to design the bronze plaques.
17. Why is the City so restrictive on the bronze plaques?
Consistency in the front and layout of the inscriptions is integral to the design of the columbaria. Most columbaria have restrictions on the niche layouts. Those without restrictions quickly become a jumble of styles and it takes away from the overall appearance of the columbaria.
18. What if I tape or glue something to the niche?
This is strictly not allowed and it will be removed by cemetery staff immediately. Such attempts will be considered vandalism of city property.
19. What other costs will I need to consider?
An inurnment fee (to have the cremated remains placed in the niche) and the order and placement of a bronze memorial or porcelain memorial portrait. It is not necessary to purchase a bronze memorial if it is not wanted.
20. Can items be placed at or near the columbaria?
No. Items placed at or near the columbaria presents a potential hazard to the public and will be removed and disposed of immediately by cemetery staff.
Last Update : Tuesday, May 11, 2010