Often, the individuals whose cremated remains have been scattered in such an area are identified on a special memorial plaque, or a unique garden feature such as a sculpture on which the individuals name is inscribed. Cemeteries in St. John's do not have dedicated areas set aside for scattering and ironically do not permit scattering within the cemetery boundaries. A popular choice in other parts of Canada for the placement of an urn is in an indoor or outdoor columbarium niche. A niche is a recessed compartment designed for the permanent placement of urns. An arrangement of niches is called a columbarium.
Cemeteries usually offer a wide variety of columbaria from which to choose.
Some are free-standing structures located outdoors in picturesque settings. Others are located indoors in either a chapel or mausoleum. A vase may be placed on some closed-front niches for the placement of flowers by those who care to commemorate special occasions. As with the mausoleam, sharing the cost of the columbaria with other individuals has made it more affordable. This alternative is not available in this Province.