Green Burial is an environmentally sensitive practice where the body is returned to the earth to decompose naturally and contribute to environmental renewal. It’s a spiritually fulfilling alternative to conventional burial, especially for people who are mindful of the cyclical nature of life. This form of burial has been practiced since the dawn of human civilization.
A body is prepared for Green Burial without embalming and buried in a biodegradable shroud, simple container or casket made from natural fibre, wicker or sustainably harvested wood.
Aurora Gardens at Northern Lights Cemetery is Edmonton Municipal Cemeteries’ first green burial area. Green Burial is a statement of personal values for those who seek to minimize their impact on the local and global environment.
Remembrance
Communal memorial stones have been placed in various locations throughout the Aurora Gardens. They have room for simple inscriptions to record the names of the persons buried in the area nearest each boulder location.
As Aurora Gardens become fully utilized and the memorial plantings mature, a walking path will be created that meanders through the garden, connecting all the memorial stones.
You can pre-arrange your green burial services. Aurora Gardens plots are planned to be used sequentially in a plan. Families will be provided GPS coordinates of the plot location at the time the burial ceremony is scheduled to take place.
After the burial ceremony takes place, a permanent record of all pertinent details, including the precise location, is created, and this record is maintained, as required by law, in perpetuity at the Cemetery office.
On recent graves, leaf mulch or natural wood chips are used to suppress grass, invasive plant species and weeds from establishing themselves before the memorial plantings are made. This cover contributes organic material to the soil and eventually breaks down.
The goal is to maintain Aurora Gardens areas in a natural state. The site will be managed and kept accessible, especially during the operational phase. The groundcover will be trimmed and weeds controlled to ensure trees and plantings can flourish.
Visiting
Visitors should only walk on paths in areas where a burial or interment has taken place. This will help to avoid disturbing plant life concerns about uneven grounds. It also pays respect to those who have departed.
When fully utilized, access to Aurora Gardens will be along a walking path. A few small clearings with seating will be available for visiting and quiet contemplation in a secluded setting.
Native planting materials will be planted and Aurora Gardens will evolve into a woodland-type area with communal memorial stones to commemorate our departed loved ones.
To create a diverse, balanced mix of plantings in the woodlands, all planting activities are carried out according to an established planting plan with typical native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and groundcover species found in the Northern Alberta region.
Tree, shrub and wildflower planting is done seasonally following a burial. Trees will be planted with sufficient room for them to grow and create a healthy tree and contribute to the natural canopy for wildlife movement, forage and habitation.
Pricing
Every family and situation is unique and different. Visit Cemeteries Pricing for more information.
If something you have in mind for your loved one is not listed, please contact our team to discuss it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a green burial service is pre-purchased, the individual(s) are guaranteed a green burial plot within Aurora Gardens. However, the physical location will only be determined at the time of passing. One of the foundations of green burials is minimal equipment use and ground disturbance. For that reason, we follow a specific pattern by selecting the burial location in sequence to ensure the area supports the ecological friendly approach of a green burial.
City of Edmonton Municipal Cemeteries will continue to offer customers and families traditional burial and cremation options who wish to be buried together and/or choose their actual plot location.
The overall cost for a green burial is lower than a traditional casket burial. There is no requirement for a concrete liner or box* in Aurora Gardens. The plot price is the same for all in-ground burial plots (green burial and traditional burial).
The open/close service is more expensive for a green burial and this is because the area needs to be established with a specific native planting plan which includes a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure the area evolves into a forested path.
* A concrete liner (box) is an enclosed structure that the casket sits in. Its primary intent is to keep the ground levelled and also slow down the natural decomposition process.
We recommend all clients and families to contact their preferred funeral home for specific costs for funeral services.
Selecting a funeral service provider is a decision by families and is usually based on personal criteria and needs. There are a few Edmonton-based funeral homes that offer green burial services. Please contact our Municipal Cemeteries office and we can provide the information we have independently gathered.
Contact Us
Every family and situation is unique and different. Our client care team is available to answer any questions about cemetery services and schedule ceremonies.
If your inquiry is regarding booking an interment for someone who has recently passed, please call our offices directly so your request can be prioritized.
You can also call 780-442-0974 or email us at cemetery@edmonton.ca.
