Natural burials at Brookside Cemetery

Sign for the natural burial section at Brookside Cemetery

A natural burial is an environmentally-friendly burial option.

Brookside Cemetery is the first cemetery in Manitoba to offer natural burials certified by the Green Burial Society of Canada. The natural burials section is approximately half an acre in size and features local grasses & wildflowers. This area will be left to naturally evolve over time, with little disturbance.

While individual memorialization is not permitted, we offer a communal memorial in the area to allow families to memorialize a loved one.

Rules for natural burials

Natural burials must follow five key principles:

  1. No embalming
    A body is prepared without the use of embalming.
  2. Direct earth burial
    Remains are wrapped in a natural shroud and buried directly in the ground or placed into a biodegradable casket.
  3. Ecological restoration and conservation
    The area is naturalized with local grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
  4. Communal memorialization
    Individual memorials are not permitted on the site. A communal memorial has been provided for families to memorialize a loved one.
  5. Efficient use of land
    Land uses minimal infrastructure, such as roads

Contact

Contact us to start exploring natural burial options.

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