In a region where burial space is increasingly scarce and costs continue to rise, Bakerview Memorial Cemetery is quietly reshaping what families can expect from a final resting place. Located across 20 acres in Aldergrove, it's the first new cemetery in the Lower Mainland in over 60 years and it's doing things a little differently.
Privately owned and proudly Canadian, Bakerview opened in early 2022 and has quickly become a part of the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver communities. Offering a local, community-focused alternative to larger corporate-run cemeteries, its services are open to all, regardless of faith or cultural background. The grounds are peaceful with tree-lined paths, views of the Coastal Mountains and designated sections for different faith traditions, such as the Muslim Crescent and Christian Holy Resurrection areas.
The local cemetery is also offering something virtually unheard of in the industry: financing options for at-need cemetery arrangements, specifically above ground cremation property.
“Families deserve the chance to honour their loved ones properly, even when finances are tight,” says office manager Marci Alexander. “We believe compassion shouldn’t come with a price tag.”
Families are able to inurn their loved ones in a columbarium niche before payment is made in full, relieving them from keeping cremated remains at home for longer than they wish.
“No one should have to keep an urn on a shelf because they can’t afford a final resting place,” says Patti Adams, a Family Service Advisor. “That’s why we do what we do, working with families to create a financial plan they can manage.”
Payment plans start as low as $99 per month for cremation niche columbariums, including Wisteria Gardens, Bakerview’s beautifully designed columbarium garden.. This makes it possible for many families to make decisions based on emotional and spiritual needs, rather than being limited by immediate financial pressure.
“We’ve created a space where families don’t have to choose between closure and cost,” adds Family Service Advisor Rafer Boyle. “That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Pre-arranged burial options
Families can choose the option that best suits their wishes, such as pre-arranged traditional ground burials starting at $300 per month, mausoleum entombment and a range of cremation interment options.
The team at Bakerview brings more than 100 years of combined experience in the funeral and cemetery profession. “We see it as our role to support the living as much as we honour the deceased,” Marci Alexander says.
For more information, or to schedule a tour of the grounds, visit bakerviewmemorial.ca or call 604-856-0330.