Burial Costs on Quadra Island

Talking about money after someone dies can feel uncomfortable—but it’s always part of the picture. Even when families do as much as they can themselves, the cost of burial can still be surprisingly high.

Let’s walk through the typical expenses, starting from the cemetery and working backwards.

There are two cemeteries on the island; the Wei Wai Kai Cemetery at Cape Mudge is private, and the Quadra Island Cemetery on Heriot Bay Road, operated by dedicated volunteers with the Quadra Island Cemetery Society, is public. To be buried in the Quadra Island Cemetery, you’ll need to reserve a plot. For Quadra residents, the cost is $400, whether in the conventional or natural burial area. This can be prepaid. A grave needs to be dug and usually backfilled, which costs about $500. At the time of burial, there’s an interment fee of $200. Headstones typically start around $1,500.

A casket or coffin is required. Funeral homes sell a wide range—from about $900 to over $15,000—though many of these options aren’t suitable for natural burial. Eco-friendly caskets, depending on the source and materials, typically range from $1,300 to $3,600. Evergreen Coffin Company in Royston sells a casket kit made from BC wood for $700, or fully assembled for $1,150 that meet the standards for both natural and conventional burial. Way To Go has one of their kits available on-island for community purchase. Families could choose to build their own; funeral homes are required by law to accept any casket that meets the legal requirements.

Burial in a shroud—without a casket—may soon become an option. Evergreen sells shrouds for $250 to $395, while funeral homes typically charge around $550. The body must be placed on a rigid board, known as a shrouding board or trundle. A shroud could be as simple as a favourite wool blanket or linen sheet, and/or sewn by a family.

Though prices vary, a typical service charge from a funeral home to manage all that is needed for a dignified burial is about $5,000. For additional travel costs and to view the body, extra fees would apply.

To summarize, a burial on Quadra could include:

• Cemetery plot (for local residents): $400

• Digging fee: $500

• Interment fee: $200

• Casket: $700–$15,000

• Headstone (conventional area): $1,500+

• Funeral home service: $5,000+ (does not include merchandise)

Cremation, though often chosen for financial reasons, carries a high environmental cost. Funeral homes in our area charge about $3,600 for cremation—not including a cremation casket, urn, or interment fees if remains are later buried in a cemetery.

While you might come across ads from funeral homes in larger centres offering lower prices, those typically reflect different overhead costs in urban areas. On Quadra and nearby, the prices are fair and consistent with the realities of offering these services in a small, remote community.

Way To Go is available to help families—not with the intention to save money, but to bring death care back into the hands of family, friends, and the community. This approach offers a deeper, more personal experience, and takes time, skills, and effort. While mostly volunteer based, Way To Go incurs expenses, including providing honorariums to those taking on larger roles (when funds are available). Families who are financially able and for whom we provide significant help are asked to contribute a portion of the $2,500 CPP Death Benefit that most qualify for.

Many of us don’t look into these costs until we have to—and then they can feel overwhelming. Being prepared helps ensure we make thoughtful choices that reflect our values, our resources, and our community.

Let’s stay informed, talk openly, and plan ahead.