Columbariums in Canada — Niches for Cremated Remains
For families choosing cremation but wanting a specific physical place to visit and remember, a columbarium niche offers the middle path between full cemetery burial and family-kept urns. Most Canadian cemeteries now have substantial columbarium offerings.
What a columbarium is
A structure containing rows of niches (small compartments) for cremation urns. Common forms:
- Outdoor garden walls — granite or stone walls in cemetery gardens, with niches inset
- Outdoor freestanding structures — pavilions, towers, or decorative architecture
- Indoor mausoleums — climate-controlled buildings with niches
- Church columbariums — niches in or attached to religious buildings (Catholic churches especially common)
Each niche has a faceplate (granite or bronze) inscribed with the deceased's name and dates.
Niche types and sizes
Single niche. Holds one standard adult urn. Most common.
Companion niche. Holds two urns (typical for couples). Slightly larger and slightly more expensive than two single niches.
Family niche. Larger niche holding multiple urns (3-6 typically). For families wanting a central memorial.
Premium niche locations. Eye-level, corner, near garden features — typically command higher prices.
Cost
Prices vary widely by cemetery, city, niche size, and location (premium, companion, and family niches typically cost more). Ask the cemetery for its current price list.
Faceplate engraving usually included. Perpetual care (care and maintenance) can be mandatory and built into the price — in Ontario, for example, the cemetery must pay part of each niche's price into its care and maintenance fund, and its price list must show that contribution.
When a columbarium fits
- Family wants a specific physical visitation location
- Family chose cremation (or will)
- Family doesn't want or need a full burial plot
- Religious tradition prefers consecrated ground for cremated remains (Catholic specifically)
- Family wants permanent memorialization at lower cost than full burial
When alternatives might fit better
- Family wants to keep urn at home
- Family wants to scatter ashes
- Family wants a traditional gravesite to visit
- Cost is a major concern (scattering or home-keeping is cheaper)
Religious considerations
Catholic. Columbarium niches in consecrated ground or church columbariums satisfy the Catholic requirement that cremated remains be interred in sacred ground.
Jewish. Less common — Jewish tradition typically prefers burial.
Protestant. Generally accepted alongside other disposition choices.
Other traditions. Vary; check with religious leader.
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures disposition preferences including columbarium niche selection if pre-arranged.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]O. Reg. 30/11 (General) under Ontario's Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 — s 168 (care and maintenance contribution for a niche in a public columbarium) and s 63(3) (price list must show the contribution) - Government of Ontario
- [2]Bereavement Authority of Ontario — Consumer Information Guide (July 2025): columbarium, niche and care and maintenance fund definitions - Bereavement Authority of Ontario (delegated administrative authority)
- [3]Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — Ad resurgendum cum Christo (2016): ashes to be laid to rest in a sacred place - The Holy See
Frequently asked questions
What is a columbarium?
A structure containing rows of niches (small compartments) that hold cremation urns. May be indoor (mausoleum, church) or outdoor (garden columbarium wall). Each niche has a faceplate (typically granite or bronze) with the deceased's name and dates. Provides a specific physical location for memorialization without a traditional cemetery plot.
What does it cost?
Niche cost varies widely by cemetery and city, and premium locations (eye-level, near garden features, indoor) cost more — ask the cemetery for its current price list. Some larger niches hold multiple urns (family niches) at proportionally higher cost. Perpetual care (care and maintenance) can be mandatory and built into the price — in Ontario, for example, the cemetery must pay part of each niche's price into its care and maintenance fund.
Where can I buy a columbarium niche?
Most Canadian cemeteries have columbarium sections. Some religious institutions (Catholic churches especially) have columbariums for parishioners. Newer cemeteries often have substantial columbarium offerings; older cemeteries may have limited or premium niches available.
What goes in the niche?
The cremation urn. Niche dimensions typically accommodate a standard adult urn. Some niches hold two urns (companion niches for couples). Some allow small mementos in addition to the urn (varies by cemetery rules).
How are niches marked?
A faceplate (granite or bronze) with the deceased's name and dates. Some cemeteries allow brief epitaphs or symbols. The cemetery typically arranges manufacture of the faceplate; cost included in the niche purchase or separate.
Can family members visit?
Yes — cemeteries with columbariums typically have visitor access during posted hours. Some columbariums are in chapels with limited access; some are outdoor with full daytime access. Confirm visitor policies before purchase if family visitation matters.