Columbarium
Courtenay Civic Cemetery has several columbariums. A columbarium is a structure with small compartments, called niches, used to hold urns containing cremated remains.
Each columbarium is made of polished granite and features black individual niche doors. A patented security system protects against unauthorized access and vandalism.
Niche capacity and container guidelines
Each niche holds up to 2 urns.
Interior dimensions:
11.5" wide × 11.5" deep × 11.5" high
Front opening: 10.5"
The urn may need to be tilted slightly to fit through the front opening.
To help protect remains from moisture, we recommend using a non-biodegradable urn. Although each niche includes a moisture-reducing liner, condensation may still occur. Cremation urns are available for purchase through the City.
Purchasing a niche
Residents and non-residents can purchase niches. You may buy up to 2 niches per person.
You are purchasing the interment rights — the legal right to place cremated remains in the niche in perpetuity (forever). You do not own the physical structure. The columbariums remain City property, as required under provincial law.
Niches cannot be resold privately, but they may be transferred to another person. A transfer must be processed through the City, and a fee applies.
You may also choose to:
- Sell the niche back to the City – We will refund the original purchase price, minus the care and maintenance fee.
- Use the value of the niche – You can apply it toward the purchase of a burial or cremation plot instead.
Columbarium fees
Niche and service fees
| Service | Resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| 11.5" × 11.5" niche | $1,000 | $1,800 |
| Opening and closing (weekday) | $100 | $100 |
| Opening and closing (weekend) | $150 | $150 |
Plaques and name scrolls
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-need bronze plaque (surname only) | $475 |
| Bronze plaque with 1 name scroll | $475 |
| Additional name scroll (per name) | $125 |
| Rose scroll | $50 |
| Porcelain memorial portrait | Contact us for details |
Memorials and decoration
Bronze plaques are required for all niche fronts and follow a consistent design. Name scrolls and optional porcelain memorial portraits can be added, but must be supplied and installed by the City. Contact us for details and pricing.
Each niche includes a bud vase for fresh or artificial flowers year-round.
Do not:
- Tape or glue items to the niche front
- Hang items from the bud vase
- Place objects at or near the columbarium
Items placed outside permitted areas will be removed for safety and maintenance reasons.
Available niches
Niche space is currently available in the following columbariums:
| Columbarium | Availability map | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood | View availability map | 5 Feb 2025 |
| Arbutus | View availability map | 3 Feb 2025 |
| Maple | View availability map | 3 Sep 2024 |
| Willow | View availability map | 3 Oct 2024 |
| Aspen | View availability map | 24 Jan 2025 |
| Spruce | View availability map | 6 Mar 2025 |
| Pine | View availability map | 24 Feb 2025 |
| Birch | View availability map | 9 Jan 2025 |
| Hemlock | View availability map | 6 Mar 2025 |
Sold out: Dogwood, Alder, Cedar, Oak
You can refer to a specific niche number from the map when making arrangements. Cemetery staff will confirm availability with you.
Note: PDF maps are not accessible to screen readers. Please contact if you need help reviewing availability or would like the information in a different format.
Need help?
The cemetery team can help you with:
- Choosing a columbarium
- Understanding costs and availability
- Purchasing or transferring a niche
- Memorial plaque orders
- Accessibility or alternative formats for maps