Two entrepreneurs have designed a forest cemetery that offers several options for the deceased, including a digital component. Eventually, the place will become a forest of thousands of trees.
Services surrounding death are diversifying; end-of-life rituals too.
In recent years, it is possible that the ashes of a deceased are integrated into a tree in the making. The idea is popular with people who want to reduce the ecological footprint of a conventional burial, or who don’t adhere to established rituals.
Two Quebecers want to create a forest made of these trees. Relatives of the deceased will be able to gather and stroll in this peaceful environment, located in the former golf course of Sainte-Sophie, in the Laurentians.
The Forest of the Second Life was inaugurated last week. Twenty customers have already purchased a package, for a deceased loved one or for themselves, in prearrangement, according to the promoters. Funeral homes that have embraced the concept already offer Forest services.
If this concept of the funeral tree is not new, the Forest of the second life frames the practice and comes to offer a well-defined environment, with relaxation areas that promote meditation.
For example, there will be different tree species, grouped by theme. Before his death, a future client could very well choose which tree he wishes his ashes to be grafted to, depending on the characteristics of the tree. Relatives who opt for this service will have to make this decision, but they will be guided by representatives of the company.
Already, we offer a service card ranging from the scattering of ashes in nature, for someone who does not wish to take root in a physical space after his death, to more upscale packages. It is possible to pay for one tree, but also for several that will be planted in memory of members of the same family. Like more traditional cemetery lots.
The company offers virtual “chests” that contain photos of the deceased, even a video, depending on the package chosen. The president of the company, Ritchie Deraîche, explains that a bereavement specialist will be able to help a client who is making her prearrangements to prepare a note for those who will attend the planting. “These will be the last words the family and children will hear after death,” he said. It’s done from a positive angle, to help them through their grief. »
Visitors will have access to this content through an app.
This marriage between death and technology is seen more and more, explains Jean-Marc Barreau, holder of the Jean-Monbourquette Chair on the social support of bereaved people, from the University of Montreal.
“The digital world and the digital ritual world are extremely busy,” he says. In North America, in Europe. And in Asia, they are a few decades ahead of us. With companies that offer a purely digital visitation of the deceased. »
According to him, the funeral world is extremely inventive and seeks ways to better serve a clientele to whom traditional methods speak little. The Sainte-Sophie project is part of this movement.
Ritchie Deraîche and Guillaume Marcoux, respectively president and vice-president of the company, have worked in real estate. The two partners speak of their forest cemetery as a piece of land divided into several lots.
“It’s funny to say, but it’s subdivision,” said Guillaume Marcoux. It’s real estate development, in a way. The team worked for three years on the conversion of the golf course. The development was entrusted to forest engineers.
There are 7,000 196 square foot housing estates. It is possible to bury an animal at the foot of its master’s tree. In short, the services offered are very vast, at various prices.
According to Guillaume Marcoux, what makes this project unique is the size of the lots and the size of the premises. The cemetery is only open to lot owners or their relatives.
If the municipality of Sainte-Sophie was suspicious at first, it is now delighted to have such a beautiful space, with an original vocation, says Mayor Guy Lamothe, who was present at the inauguration on August 10. “It’s a very attractive place,” he said. You feel good as soon as you enter. »
“We wanted to innovate and present an alternative to Quebecers. And to preserve and conserve forest areas,” says Guillaume Marcoux.
The two entrepreneurs intend to make small and reproduce the model elsewhere in Quebec.
“It’s a great way to reach out to facilitate the resolution of bereavement,” says Jean-Marc Barreau, who adds that this kind of formula can bring meaning to bereavement, for some. “Making ecological sense of grief contributes to this resolution. »
There is an increasingly significant detachment between religion and spirituality, he continues: “This project is an opportunity for people to appropriate a spirituality in a very special moment, bereavement. »
