Navigate Your Pre-Planning Choices with Expert Guidance from Trusted Partners
Lock In Today's Prices,
Protect Your Family's Tomorrow.
𖡡 Serving residents of Vancouver Island, Vancouver Mainland, and Whitehorse, YK
Proud Partners
Trusted names for over a century of combined service.
Pain of not Planning
The emotional burden of making critical decisions while grieving.
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Unexpected and escalating costs that add to family strain.
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Overwhelming paperwork and complexities during a vulnerable time.
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Uncertainty about fulfilling a loved one's final wishes, leading to guilt.
We make it easy.
Compassionate guidance, empowering your family to focus on healing.
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Lock in today's prices, protecting your loved ones from financial stress.
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Estate settlement with our planning tools, saving time and frustration.
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Ensure your unique wishes are honored, bringing peace of mind to all.
| Comprehensive & Traditional Choice | Personalized & Flexible Option | Affordable & Minimal Solution | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Philosophy | Offers a full spectrum of services, from elaborate funerals with viewings and chapel services to simpler cremations. Focuses on providing a complete, guided experience with physical locations and staff for all traditional elements. | Specializes in clear, straightforward cremation and burial options with an emphasis on simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Aims to provide essential services, allowing families to add only what they truly need. | Focused on providing the most cost-effective direct cremation and burial services, often with an emphasis on online arrangements for convenience. Ideal for those prioritizing minimal services and budget. |
| Common Offerings | Full Traditional Funerals (Visitation, Chapel Service, Burial), Cremation with Viewing or Memorial Service, Cemetery or Memorial Services | Simple Cremation (Direct Cremation), Simple Graveside Burial, Cremation with Memorial Service (add-on) | Essential Cremation Package (Direct Cremation), Basic Burial Care, Cremation with ID Viewing (minimal prior viewing) |
| Price Point | $$$ Higher Tier: Reflects comprehensive facilities, extensive staff services, and the ability to host large, multi-component events. Base direct cremation is competitive, but full services are significantly higher. | $$ Mid-Range: Offers competitive pricing for essential services, with clear add-on costs for personalization. A good balance of service and affordability. | $ Lowest Price Point: Aims for the absolute lowest base cost for direct cremation, with many services as optional add-ons. Designed for maximum budget consciousness. |
| Service Approach | High-Touch, Full-Service: Provides extensive support and facilities for all aspects of a funeral or memorial. Ideal for families desiring a complete, traditional experience facilitated by the funeral home. | Supportive, À La Carte: Guides families through necessary arrangements while providing flexibility to customize. You choose what services you need beyond the core package. | Streamlined, Self-Serve (Optional): Emphasizes efficiency and direct processing, often leveraging online tools for arrangements. Offers core services with the ability to add specific elements as desired. |
| Facility Use | Extensive chapel facilities available for viewings, funeral services, and memorial gatherings. | More focused on core administrative and transfer facilities; external venues often used for larger services (facilitated by them). | Primarily administrative and sheltering facilities; most viewings or services are minimal or occur off-site. |
| Key Differentiator | Comprehensive Traditional Experience: Best for families seeking a complete, guided, multi-faceted memorial, often with a formal service and viewing. | Clear, Flexible, Essential Options: Excellent for those who want simplicity, cost-transparency, and the ability to choose specific additions without feeling pressured into a full package. | Unbeatable Value & Efficiency: The go-to for families prioritizing the lowest possible cost and a streamlined process, especially for direct cremation. |
Pricing: $ $ $
Core Inclusions: This option provides a full spectrum of traditional funeral and burial services, emphasizing a long-standing legacy of care and comprehensive support for families. It's ideal for those seeking a complete, guided experience with extensive facilities and a wide range of ceremonial options. Our partners in this tier focus on alleviating stress and burden, ensuring your wishes are known and honored with meticulous attention to detail.Key Benefit: Offers unparalleled peace of mind through a deeply traditional and all-encompassing service, allowing your family to focus on remembrance and healing.Cons: CostLearn More
Pricing: $ $
Core Inclusions: For a simpler, more gentle approach to final arrangements, Earth's Option provides a compassionate and eco-conscious alternative to traditional funeral services. Serving Ladysmith and the Cowichan Valley, they specialize in green burial and gentle aquamation (flameless cremation), helping you honour your loved one in a way that is both meaningful and mindful of the beautiful island we call home.Key Benefit: Provides a highly personalized and convenient experience, empowering you to make choices that truly reflect your values and needs, with clear pricing.Cons: No Resting Place (may be purchased separately)Learn More
Pricing: $
Core Inclusions: This option focuses on providing compassionate, caring, and affordable services, specializing in straightforward cremation and burial. It's designed for those seeking essential services with transparent costs, offering one of the lowest simple cremation prices on Vancouver Island. Our partners are dedicated to simplicity and efficiency, ensuring a respectful process without unnecessary complexities.Key Benefit: Delivers peace of mind through a clear, budget-conscious approach, ensuring essential services are handled with dignity and affordability.Cons: No Service, No Resting Place, Survivors May Spend More.Learn More
$595
Losing a loved one is hard enough. Cadence’s Legacy Planner helps you get all your ducks in a row, so your family can focus on what matters most. Our easy-to-use, secure platform offers a step-by-step guide to organize all your important accounts, documents, and wishes in one place. It’s a gift of peace of mind for you, and a priceless guide for your survivors.
Get Started Now
Your plan starts with a conversation. I’ve seen the difference planning makes, and I’ll guide you through the steps to get yours in place. We can speak over the phone, via video conference, or in person, you decide! Services en Français | Servicios en Español
How it Works
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About Yanik Ottenbreit
This work is personal.
I have seen firsthand the stress, confusion, and unexpected costs families face when there is no plan in place. After years working in deathcare and insurance, I became LLQP licensed to help people take control of their final arrangements with clarity and confidence. As an independent advisor, I am not tied to a single company or product. This gives my clients more options at different price points and ensures every recommendation is based on what is best for them. Planning ahead brings peace of mind, protects loved ones, and allows people to make informed decisions while they are healthy and thinking clearly.• Passionate about helping people with end-of-life planning• Straightforward end-of-life packages• Professional, guaranteed services
This is what I needed for my dad. It's not easy to face death, but these services will help my loved ones put the pieces together when I'm gone, and not have to pay. I wish we had this for my dad when he passed away suddenly. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have their affairs in order.
George K.
Courtenay, BC
When I finished this ebook, I shared it with my family right away. No one wants to think about death, but having everything organized in one simple PDF gave us all peace. After my uncle passed suddenly last year, we struggled to find his important papers. I didn't want my family to face that stress.
Linda T.
Nanaimo, BC
When my husband died suddenly, I was heartbroken and overwhelmed. My mind felt stuck in fog. But his planning saved me. Because he organized everything ahead, I didn’t have to fight through paperwork or guess his wishes. I could just focus on healing. That was his final act of love; by taking care of me, even when he was gone.
Susan R.
Victoria, BC
FAQs
1. What can I do with ashes after cremation?
Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in an indoor or outdoor niche, scattered (within local laws), or kept in an urn at home.2. Is cremation the most affordable option?
Yes. Direct cremation without a service is often the lowest-cost option, and I would be happy to walk you through your options book a meeting.3. What is green (natural) burial?
Green burial avoids embalming, metal caskets, and concrete vaults allowing the body to return naturally to the earth.4. Can I have a green burial in any cemetery?
Not all cemeteries allow it. Some have dedicated green sections or specific requirements. I can help you explore your options.5. Can I pre-plan and pay ahead for any option?
Yes. Pre-planning locks in today’s costs and relieves your family of future stress on the worst day of their lives. I can guide you through the process.6. How much does pre-planning cost?
Most plans range from $2,500 to $30,000, depending on your preferences. Some can be higher with added services, but most people want something practical and respectful. Pre-planning gives you control over the details and costs, letting you lock in today’s prices and spare your loved ones future expenses. It's important to keep in mind that funerals and resting places are for your survivors; consult with them even if it's a difficult topic.
Contact me today to pre-plan or get more information.
Prefer Calls? Book a Free Quote or call 250-288-0306
FREE Pre-planning eBook
Your Legacy, Your Way isn't just a workbook. It is a lasting gift of clarity, comfort, and peace of mind. Thoughtfully designed to help you record the essential details your loved ones will need. This 16-page guide ensures your affairs are handled smoothly and your final wishes are honoured with care and respect.Inside, you will find space to document everything from key contacts and financial accounts to personal preferences and after-life instructions. Completing it is a meaningful act of love and foresight.
Written by Yanik Ottenbreit
Privacy Policy
Yanik Ottenbreit Inc. is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), British Columbia’s insurance laws, and any applicable industry standards related to licensed LLQP activities and funeral pre-planning services.1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We may collect the following information when you use our website or services:● Name, email address, and contact details
● Information shared during pre-planning consultations
● Payment and billing details for services or product purchases
● Website usage data through cookies or analytics toolsWe only collect what is necessary to provide our services, meet legal obligations, or improve user experience. We do not sell or rent your personal data under any circumstances.2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATIONWe use your information to:● Provide consultations, digital downloads, and pre-arranged service support
● Process payments and deliver purchased goods or services
● Communicate important updates, confirmations, and service reminders
● Comply with LLQP, ICBC, CRA, or Assuris-related legal or regulatory requirements
● Improve our offerings and website functionalityIf your plan includes a pre-funded insurance product via TruStage®, your information may be shared with licensed providers solely to fulfill your policy and ensure it is eligible for Assuris protection.3. CONSENT
By using our website, submitting a form, or purchasing a service, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as outlined in this policy. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions.4. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES
We may use secure third-party tools to operate our business. These include:● Payment processors
● GDRP compliant Email marketing services
● Hosting and website analytics providersAll partners are required to handle your data in accordance with Canadian privacy standards and cannot use it for their own purposes.5. COOKIES
We may use cookies or small tracking files to enhance your website experience. Cookies help us understand traffic patterns and make improvements. You may manage or disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.6. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY
Your personal information is stored in Canada or in secure jurisdictions with equivalent data protection standards. We implement reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or loss of your data.7. ACCESS, CORRECTION & DELETION
You have the right to:● Access the personal information we hold about you
● Correct any outdated or inaccurate information
● Request deletion, where legally allowedPlease contact us in writing to submit a formal request.8. POLICY CHANGES
We may update this Privacy Policy without prior notice. All updates will be reflected on this page, and the effective date will be revised. Continued use of our services after a change indicates your acceptance of the revised terms.9. CONTACT US
If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy or how your information is handled, please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.yanikottenbreit.com
Terms of Service
Effective Date: April 29, 2025
Welcome to Yanik Ottenbreit Inc. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website, consultations, educational materials, and funeral pre-planning services. By engaging with any service or making any purchase through Yanik Ottenbreit Inc., you agree to the following legally binding terms. Please review carefully.1. ELIGIBILITY AND ACCEPTANCE
By using our services, you confirm that you are the age of majority in your province or territory of residence and are legally capable of entering into a binding contract. If you do not accept these Terms, you must not use our website or services.2. NATURE OF SERVICES
Yanik Ottenbreit Inc. provides:- Educational and planning resources for end-of-life arrangements- Licensed insurance consulting and referrals under LLQP certification- Sales of pre-arranged funeral packages backed by TruStage® and protected under Assuris where applicable- Related digital and physical products
We do not sell life insurance directly. All insurance-related products are distributed through authorized providers and underwritten by licensed insurers.3. CONTRACT GUARANTEES
Pre-arranged funeral funding products offered via TruStage® may include insurance components guaranteed by Assuris, a not-for-profit organization that protects Canadian policyholders. For more information on coverage and limits, visit [www.assuris.ca](
www.assuris.ca).All contracts comply with the Insurance Act of British Columbia and related consumer protection regulations. Clients receive full policy disclosure prior to entering into any agreement.4. NO REFUNDS POLICY
Due to the nature of our products and services, all sales are final unless otherwise required by provincial or federal law. In the event of a material administrative error or statutory right to cancellation, we will process a remedy as required by the laws of British Columbia and applicable federal regulations.By completing a purchase or entering into a service agreement, you acknowledge and accept these terms.5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All website content, downloadable resources, course material, and branding are the intellectual property of Yanik Ottenbreit Inc. or its licensors. Any use, reproduction, or distribution without express written permission is prohibited.6. CLIENT CONDUCT
Users agree not to:- Use our services for unlawful or misleading purposes- Share personal financial advice not authorized by a licensed representative
- Interfere with, disrupt, or misuse our website or client systems- Circumvent purchase mechanisms or access private areas without consent7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the extent permitted by law, Yanik Ottenbreit Inc. is not liable for incidental, indirect, or consequential losses arising from your use of our website or services. We are not responsible for the performance or insolvency of any third-party insurer or service provider.8. MODIFICATIONS
We may revise these Terms periodically. Continued use of our website or services following updates means you accept the revised Terms. All updates will be clearly posted with the effective date noted.9. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada. Any dispute arising from these Terms will be resolved under the jurisdiction of British Columbia courts.10. CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about these Terms or your legal rights can be directed to:
[email protected]
or via our contact form.
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Webinar Series
Free Webinar
Upcoming Webinar: “How to Take Control of Your Final Arrangements”
A free, no-pressure session to show you what to do before it’s too late. Attendees will be empowered with understanding the process of pre-arranging their funeral service, burial options, common challenges, and how to overcome them.✓ Licensed Presenter
✓ Includes Examples
✓ Hosted live via Zoom
✓ Concise at only 30 minutes*this is not legal advice.
61.9% of Canadians choose cremation, but there are other options.
| Burial Options | Cost | Key Decisions |
|---|---|---|
| Cremation | $ | Urn, urn placement (burial, niche), service optional |
| Natural Burial | $$ | Biodegradable casket/shroud, no embalming, service optional |
| Traditional Burial | $$$ | Casket, embalming, cemetery plot, headstone, service |