Ostend (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Crematorium Polderbos in Ostend, opened in 2021, plans to invest €1 million for expansion, adding a third electric oven to meet rising demand from Roeselare and Torhout.
The Crematorium Polderbos in Ostend opened in 2021 and is the third crematorium in West Flanders. Since it started, it has been very busy, using two ovens to keep up with the high demand for cremation services. Johan Seynhaeve, the director, mentioned that the crematorium helps people from the whole area between Ostend and De Panne.
How is Ostend’s Crematorium Polderbos expanding to meet rising demand?
According to Seynhaeve, the Crematorium Polderbos is operating at full capacity, and the demand for cremation services is still increasing. This rise is due to factors like a growing population, changing cultural practices, and a preference for cremation over traditional burials. The crematorium is essential for providing respectful and efficient services for families, ensuring there is enough capacity to meet this demand. While the facility was designed to handle current needs and plan for future growth, its full operation suggests that there may be a need for expansion or more resources to continue meeting the rising demand.
The crematorium has been receiving more requests from Roeselare and Torhout, so they think they need a third oven to help serve more families without delays. Currently, they mainly work during church service times, which makes scheduling cremations difficult. To better meet the community’s needs, they want to extend their hours. They also need a technician to operate the new oven, as this extra staff member will help manage the increased workload and keep everything running smoothly. By adding both a new oven and staff, they aim to maintain their high-quality service as they respond to the growing demand in the area.
The crematorium is planning to invest 1 million euros for expansion, which includes adding a third oven. They’ve chosen to install an electric oven instead of a gas one to reduce pollution and be more environmentally friendly. This decision aligns with their goal of sustainability and lowering their carbon footprint. By opting for an electric oven, they are also preparing for future environmental regulations. As more people prioritize eco-friendliness, the crematorium aims to lead in minimizing air pollution and providing cleaner cremation services.
