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Does Woodlawn Memorial Park have green burials?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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When you look at a forest or at the plants in your garden you see many shades of green. That's how it is with green burials as well. There are many shades ,or degrees, of green. You have choices in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Today, more people are inquiring about green burials, but you have always had a light green choice in Woodlawn.
You have always been able to purchase interment rights, or graves, where a vault or liner is not required. You have always had the choice of whether or not to place a monument or marker. If you choose to leave the grave unmarked, as is often required in green areas, the choice is up to you. Simple caskets have always been an option. Today, caskets made of quick growth wood such as bamboo and poplar are readily available too. These light green graves are readily available but are likely to be beside other graves where perhaps the family has chosen to place a monument or marker or used a liner. These graves are maintained, along with the other in the cemetery.
Our Natural burial area, a darker green choice, will be available later in the summer of 2009. The Natural burial area will be located on the west side of Woodlawn in an undeveloped area that has large, older growth trees. For the past several years this natural area has been home to some amazingly beautiful wildflowers that we have not been able to identify. The tall stalks and bright yellow heads are reminiscent of sunflowers. Standing enmass and blowing in the wind, these flowers are a happy sight in the summer sun. Many of these wild flowers will be part of the Natural burial area. Vaults and liners will not be permitted. Nor will individual markers or monuments. This will be a natural burial ground. Simple coffin or shroud burial will be likely be the only choice available to families who choose to bury here. This darker green area will be a quiet place and we think it will appeal to many of the families we serve.
Please watch for more information as the opening of our Natural Burial area nears or call 519-822-1271 for more information.
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Are there interesting monuments in Woodlawn Memorial Park?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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The monuments at Woodlawn vary from small, simple marble markers to large, ornate monuments and obelisks. A simple limestone slab for James Scroggie, the first man buried in our cemetery, marks the grave of a man who fought in the battle against Napoleon. The Cutten obelisk soars approximately 38' high, weighs more than 25 tons and, at the time it was installed, was the largest single piece shaft of granite in Canada. This soaring stone shaft marks the resting place of multi-millionaire, Arthur Cutten. In Woodlawn Memorial Park you will find sculptural pieces, monuments with lifestyle scenes and classicly designed memorials. Ask for the Symbolism and Design walking tour brochure to learn more about the monuments of Woodlawn Memorial Park.
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Does Woodlawn Cemetery clean monuments?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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Cleaning monuments is not part of our general maintenance duties at Woodlawn. Although we do complete monument cleanings, it is a chargeable service. There are a wide range of opinions about monument cleaning. Woodlawn tends to favour those that serve to protect and conserve our historic landscape-- meaning that monuments are not cleaned without a special reason. Please refer to our Historic Monument Care site for further information and the frequently asked question: What's the best way to clean my monument? We do clean monuments for special events (like the Spirit Walk), for historical conservation issues (to reduce water retention in deteriorating stonework), and, of course, whenever contracted to do so by families.
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How do I find out about plots for traditional or cremation interments?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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Woodlawn Memorial Park has experienced and knowledgeable staff members on site. We can describe the types of plots available and show you the different areas in the cemetery. We will explain any restrictions and rules at the time and clearly explain your choices. When you purchase Interment Rights (you do not purchase property, you purchase the right to be buried in that property), the forms are filled out at the cemetery office. There are many choices in Woodlawn for both traditional, casket burials or for cremation interments. We provide a package of information including, maps of the cemetery, our newsletter, the rules and regulations and information on monuments and markers.
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How do I get a flowerbed or a sign in one of the gardens?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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Our flowerbed order form wil be included in our spring newsletter. We'd also be pleased to email it to you. If you do not get a newsletter the flowerbed form is available for viewing on our website at http://www.woodlawnmemorialpark.ca/ or you can visit our office and place your order in person. The signs in the gardens are called Dedication Beds. Their information is included in the flowerbed order form or you can call us at 519-822-1271. Remember spring cleanup is scheduled for a few days after Easter. Watch the local Tribune or the signs at our gates for the actual dates of the cleanup. Please be sure to take home any winter decorations you may have on your lot before then.
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How much do graves cost in Woodlawn Memorial Park?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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This is not a simple question. There are so many areas in Woodlawn, all with different choices, options and surroundings. One grave may be under a huge maple, another out in the sunshine. Some may be close to the fountain or old magnolias. Others may be near the Peace Pole or in a park like section. But location is not the only deciding factor. Some areas have been recently surveyed, those costs are reflected in the purchase. A grave in one block may be allowed a flat marker for memorialization, but you may prefer an upright. You might wish to plant a garden, or you may want to be as close as possible to other family and friends who have passed on before. Regulations make a difference as well. If you have an interment in one block, you may be required to use a liner. In another area, the use of a liner might be optional. Some locations include the option to add cremated remains at a later time. Others do not. Please do not make your cemetery decision before making a personal visit to Woodlawn.
Single graves range from $850.00 to $2500.00. Two grave, companion lots range from $2600.00 to $5000.00. There are a variety of larger family lots available and many options for cremation interment.
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Is Woodlawn a cemetery for all faiths?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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Woodlawn is a part of the cultural life of many religious ethnic and community groups. We strive to address the needs of each of them. Our chapel was renovated and a heating system added for the comfort of everyone using the chapel for services. The Moslem faith has two areas of the cemetery reserved for their members. The Beth Isaiah Cemetery, for members of the Jewish faith, is located inside Woodlawn. Woodlawn has ensured that the sacrifices of the members of our armed forces are not forgotten by designating two areas for Veterans' interment. As well, an area has been designated for the remains of those generous people who left their bodies to science. Our beautiful 80 acre cemetery is the final resting place for more than 30,000 people of many races, religions, beliefs and communities.
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What are the two circular, domed structures I can see from Woolwich Street?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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They are the domed Columbaria. Each structure has many niches for the placement of cremated remains. Each niche has a granite front cover and a bronze wreath on it for identification. Columbarium niches are often selected by families because the urn is secured above ground and the niche is visible year round. Rectangular Columbarium walls are located at the foot of the waterfall in the Cremation Garden.
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What do I do when somebody dies?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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When somebody dies it is a stressful and pressure filled time. One of your first calls should be to your funeral home of choice. Your funeral home representative liaises with cemetery staff to arrange for the burial at the cemetery. Woodlawn Memorial Park requires 12 working hours notice for an interment to take place. If you do not have cemetery interment rights pre-purchased you must come to the cemetery to make your arrangments more than 12 hours before the burial is to take place. If the deceased already owned interment rights we would require notification of the pending interment. Your cemetery representative will want to make this time as easy as possible for you and your family. We want to know your expectations so that we can serve you in the best possible way at this difficult time.
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What happens when someone is cremated?
Discipline: Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery
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When a body is delivered to the Woodlawn Crematorium, located behind and on the lower level of the Mausoleum, the casket is given an identity number. The casket or container is never opened. Once registered, it is placed in one of the two cremation chambers. The cremator is heated to a minimum of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit as dictated by the Ministry of the Environment. The casket and its contents are cremated. The average cremation takes three (3) hours to perform. The cremated remains are placed in a sealed plastic urn identified with the name, related funeral establishment and the identity number that was issued upon delivery. The Crematorium is operated in an atmosphere of dignity and respect at all times and throughout the entire cremation process. The Crematorium in Woodlawn Memorial Park completes more than 700 cremations every year.
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