Is it illegal to scatter Cremated Remains?
If I had a nickel for every time I get asked this, my mortgage would be paid off ten times over!
Is it illegal to scatter Cremated Remains?
There is no specific provincial law that says you can't.
The Province of Manitoba allows scattering on Crown Land, provided it's not near an inlet used for potable water.
As in all things, Common Sense should be your guide.
You need to be aware that scattering is irreversible, so the location should have significant meaning and will remain enduring and safe.
Cottages always come up as a favourite place.
However, this or any property may not remain in the family, and family members may be uncomfortable with the thoughts of leaving their person 'behind.'
Best pour them into the lake.
Is it illegal to scatter Cremated Remains?
There is no specific provincial law that says you can't.
The Province of Manitoba allows scattering on Crown Land, provided it's not near an inlet used for potable water.
As in all things, Common Sense should be your guide.
You need to be aware that scattering is irreversible, so the location should have significant meaning and will remain enduring and safe.
Property that is not yours (like the flower planters at Portage and Main in Winnipeg, Manitoba) is not a good idea.
However, this or any property may not remain in the family, and family members may be uncomfortable with the thoughts of leaving their person 'behind.'
Best pour them into the lake.
You will typically get an envelope with the Cremated Remains called a Certificate of Cremation. I always suggest writing on the back when and where the scattering took place and who was there. This Certificate is the final record of your person's disposition for future generations to know what happened.
We are special and unique. And so is how we choose to be celebrated and where we want to end up.
A little planning and asking funeral people you can trust makes the Scattering Day much more relaxed.
Stay tuned. More to come on this topic...
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You do NOT have to buy an urn from the funeral home or cemetery.
We Come To You Arrangements in the Comfort of Your Home
A helpful guide when making funeral arrangements.
The Five Principles of Green Burial A Guide To Environmentally Friendly Death Care Practices
Green Burial in Winnipeg: A Sustainable, Meaningful End-of-Life Choice As the world gets warmer, many of us are trying to reduce our impact cutting energy use, composting, and advocating for change. But there’s one question most people haven’t considered: What will your environmental legacy be after you’re gone? For many families in Winnipeg, that question is leading them to explore a more natural, meaningful option: Green Burial. What Is Green Burial? Simply put, Green Burial is the way people cared for their dead long before the modern funeral industry existed. It’s a return to simplicity. A return to nature. Green Burial reflects your values your desire to reduce your impact on the earth, even in death. It allows the body to return naturally to the soil, continuing the cycle of life that has been practised across cultures for thousands of years. The 5 Core Principles of Green Burial Green Burial is guided by five key principles: No embalming, Direct earth burial Ecological restoration & conservation plans Simple memorialization Optimized land use These principles ensure that the process is as gentle on the environment as it is meaningful for families. Common Misconceptions About Green Burial Some people believe Green Burial is: A new or fringe idea Only for environmentalists A lower-cost, “less meaningful” option A poor use of land Less environmentally friendly than cremation The truth is quite different. Green Burial is actually one of the oldest traditions in human history , practised across cultures for generations. Today, it’s growing in popularity because it aligns with the values of people from all walks of life and want their final act to reflect how they lived. And for many families, it becomes a deeply meaningful way to honour a loved one, rooted in simplicity, presence, and connection. Green Burial Options in Winnipeg In Canada, the Green Burial Society of Canada certifies funeral homes and cemeteries that meet strict environmental standards. There are currently certified sites across the country, including right here in Winnipeg. Brookside Cemetery officially certified its Green Burial section in June 2025, making it possible for local families to choose this sustainable option close to home. Why It Matters: Your Environmental Legacy Most people don’t realize they have one final opportunity to make an impact. Your Environmental Legacy doesn’t stop when your heart does. There is still one more decision to make, one more way to reflect your values, care for your community, and protect the earth for future generations. Start the Conversation If Green Burial speaks to you, the next step is simple: Ask questions. Have conversations. Make a plan. Because the best decisions are made with clarity not in a moment of urgency. Questions about Green Burial? Richard Rosin, Winnipeg’s Friendliest Undertaker Call 204-219-1126 or email us to learn more.
In today's society, we tend to ignore death. We avoid discussing it, thinking about it, and planning for it. While we all know that death is inevitable, we are unwilling to think it will ever happen to us. "Death can be terrifying." Dr. Todd Kashdan opened his article, "Confronting Death with an Open, Mindful Attitude", with those four painfully-honest words. He goes on to explain why death is such a scary thing for most of us. "Recognizing that death is inescapable and unpredictable makes us incredibly vulnerable. This disrupts our instinct to remain a living, breathing organism." Our fear of dying has kept us alive (as individuals and communities) for centuries. It's natural. Yet, the fear of dying does not serve our personal need for safety and if we are to live our lives, we need to release the fear altogether. Dr. Kashdan argues that a mindful approach to living may be what's needed. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness has been defined as, "The state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience." Awakening to the inevitability of your own death is liberating. You are no longer forced to manage the fear; you are able to include death into your life experience. Preparing for Your Death Death is a natural part of life. When you live with intention, which involves looking toward death and preparing for it, you crush its power to keep you from living fully. The following task list will, when done mindfully, help you to not only confront your own death but to take control of it. While you'll never actually know how your life will end until the time of your death, your preparations will help you become comfortable with it. Prepare a will , notarize it, and provide a copy to your executor as well as any other individuals who are important in the settlement of your estate. Designate a Power of Attorney and Living Will, two essential documents if you are ever unable to care for your financial, medical, or legal needs due to an accident or illness. Make a detailed plan of your funeral or memorial service, which will help your survivors acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments. Organize all financial papers including insurance policies, bills, mortgage papers, vehicle titles, and loan documents. It may be useful to consider adding a trusted family member to your bank accounts. Secure your digital life for your survivors. Make sure to list all account passwords and usernames and let your survivors know how you would like your digital real estate (email and social media accounts) handled after your death. Sources: "What is Mindfulness?", Psychology Today, 2014 Kashdan, Todd, Ph.D., "Confronting Death with an Open, Mindful Attitude", Psychology Today, 2011 Klosowski, Thorin , "One Day You're Going to Die. Here's How to Prepare for It", 2013
