Construction of a crematorium in Dorval

Construction work has already started and should be completed at the end of August, but some residents are worried. “A lot of falsehoods have been said and repeated regarding the crematorium”, said Jean-Charles Cardinal, one of the owners of the funeral residence, a family business that has been operating for more than 30 years. Mr. Cardinal explained to the Messager representative that the cremating oven (there’s only one) will be installed in the basement and connects to a garage behind the building. He added that a 52-feet chimney will blow away what’s left of the heat after the cremation, quickly pointing out that there won’t be any odour, mercury leaks, ash or dust.

Dr. Jean-Paul Capolicchio, urologist-surgeon at the Montreal Children’s Hospital believes that there is cause for worry about the potential dangers arising from such a project. Dr. Capolicchio said that “two grams of mercury per body are released into the air and are toxic and can endanger public health.” The surgeon confirmed that two studies were recently published concerning the harmful effects of cremation (the incineration of dead bodies) on the health of the population.

Dr. Capolicchio said that crematorium facilities are not allowed in residential areas in British Columbia. In Quebec, the law authorising cremation facilities has been in existence since 1983 but is not clear on where they should be located. The Dorval doctor added that in the case of Sweden, crematory ovens must be equipped with selenium filters (in the same oxygen group) to safeguard against mercury emissions.

Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau explained that municipal regulations allow this type of construction, even if he’s not really taken by the project. “The Dorval municipal council has to face this reality in spite of its disagreement with the project. The Cardinal family has every right to proceed with this construction plan”, said the Dorval mayor. But he intends to ensure that “the project satisfies all municipal and environmental norms and that it complies with all the rules relating to this issue even before he gives the final approval to cremation activities.”

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