Direct Cremation in Ottawa
Simple arrangements. Dignified care. Compassionate guidance.
A Simple, Dignified Alternative to a Traditional Funeral
When someone you love passes away, making arrangements should not be more complicated than necessary. Direct cremation covers the essential care and the cremation itself, without a visitation or funeral service beforehand.
With Modest Cremation Alternative, direct cremation costs $2,287.05 including HST (2026 price list), covering transfer within 50 km, all documentation, the coroner’s certificate and cremation at Pinecrest Crematorium. In most cases the cremation is completed within 1 to 2 days, arrangements can be made remotely, and we handle transfers after hours.
What Is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is an arrangement where the deceased is transferred into the care of a licensed provider and cremated without a traditional visitation or funeral service beforehand. With us, it includes:
- Bringing your loved one into our care, including after hours
- Completing the required documentation and registering the death
- Obtaining the coroner’s certificate to cremate and other permits
- Providing a cremation container
- Completing the cremation at Pinecrest Crematorium
- Returning the cremated remains to the authorized person
Embalming is not required, and no casket is needed; a cremation container is used. Urns are selected separately.
Direct cremation does not mean giving up a memorial
Many families choose direct cremation first and hold a celebration of life or memorial later, such as:
- A private family gathering or celebration of life
- A religious service
- A memorial dinner or gathering at home
- An outdoor memorial, interment or scattering ceremony
Separating the cremation from the memorial gives families more time to plan something meaningful, and gives relatives who live away time to travel.
Why Families Choose Direct Cremation
Simplicity
Some people do not want an elaborate funeral. Direct cremation focuses on the essential arrangements and removes many of the decisions that come with a traditional funeral.
Affordability
A traditional funeral can include embalming, visitation facilities, a casket, funeral vehicles and cemetery costs. Direct cremation removes those elements. Our complete price is $2,287.05 including HST; see cremation costs in Ottawa for the full breakdown.
Flexibility
Families decide how, when and where to remember their loved one. There is no requirement to hold a ceremony right away.
Personal wishes
Many people ask specifically for a simple cremation. Direct cremation honours that wish.
Less pressure on the family
The days after a death are hard. Fewer decisions during that time can make them a little easier.
Is direct cremation right for my family?
It may be a good fit if:
- Your loved one requested cremation
- Your family prefers simplicity or privacy
- You would rather hold a memorial later
- Family members need time to travel
- You want control over funeral costs
If you are unsure, call us. We will explain the options so your family can make an informed decision.
You do not need to know exactly what to do before calling. Call us at 343-227-2393, day or night. We handle transfers after hours.
What Happens After You Contact Us
You do not need to understand the whole process before calling. That is our job.
- We listen. Tell us what has happened and where your loved one is.
- We bring them into our care once the death has been pronounced and they have been released, including after hours.
- We handle the paperwork, including registration, the burial permit and the coroner’s certificate.
- The cremation takes place, in most cases within 1 to 2 days.
- We return the cremated remains to the authorized person in the urn you have chosen.
See how direct cremation works for each step in detail.
What happens to the cremated remains?
Families may keep the urn at home, inter it in a cemetery, place it in a columbarium niche, scatter the remains where permitted, or divide them among keepsake urns. There is no need to decide right away.
Why Choose Modest Cremation Alternative
We are licensed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (licence TS1-0014812) and are part of the Cole family of businesses, affiliated with Cole Funeral Services, Pinecrest Cemetery, Pinecrest Crematorium and Highland Park Cemetery.
- Compassionate care: every person and family is treated with dignity and respect.
- Clear information: we explain what is happening and why.
- Published pricing: our complete price list is public, and we name every optional charge.
- No pressure: we guide families; we do not sell services they do not want.
Direct Cremation FAQ
Is embalming required for direct cremation?
No. Embalming is not required for cremation in Ontario and is not part of our direct cremation.
Can we have a celebration of life afterward?
Yes. Many families choose direct cremation and hold a celebration of life at a later date.
Do we need to purchase a casket?
No. A cremation container is used, and it is included in our price.
How long does direct cremation take?
In most cases, the cremation is completed within 1 to 2 days. For rush service, call to speak with a funeral director.
Can I arrange direct cremation for myself in advance?
Yes. You can pre-plan to document your wishes, and you can prepay those arrangements.
How do I begin?
Call us at 343-227-2393 or start online, or arrange direct cremation directly. More answers are on our cremation FAQ.
Compassionate Guidance When You Need It
Whether a death has just occurred or you are planning ahead, Modest Cremation Alternative is here with clear information, dignified care and compassionate support.
This page is general information, not legal, medical, tax, estate or financial advice. Requirements and options vary by situation. Consult the appropriate licensed professional, government department or lawyer for advice specific to you. Modest Cremation Alternative Inc., 2037 McGee Side Road, Carp, ON K0A 1L0. Licensed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, licence TS1-0014812.