Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What should I do when a death occurs?
When a death occurs, your first step should be to contact us at (613) 386-7373. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our staff will guide you through the immediate steps and arrange to transport your loved one to our funeral home. If the death occurs in a hospital or care facility, the staff there can help you contact us. If the death occurs at home, please call us directly or, in unexpected circumstances, contact emergency services (911) first.
How do I choose between burial and cremation?
This decision is deeply personal and may be influenced by religious beliefs, family traditions, environmental considerations, or financial concerns. Burial provides a permanent place for memorialization and follows traditions important to many families. Cremation offers flexibility in memorialization and can be more affordable. Our funeral directors can discuss both options in detail, helping you understand the processes, costs, and possibilities for each.
Can we have a viewing or funeral service with cremation?
Absolutely. Many families choose to have a traditional viewing and funeral service before cremation takes place. Others may prefer a memorial service after cremation. We offer a full range of options for cremation services, including traditional viewings, funeral services with the body present, or memorial services with the cremated remains present. Our goal is to create a meaningful service regardless of which disposition option you choose.
What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?
A funeral service typically takes place with the body present, often in a casket, and occurs within a few days after death. A memorial service takes place without the body present (or with cremated remains present) and can be held weeks or even months after the death. Both services honor and celebrate the life of your loved one and provide important opportunities for family and friends to gather, share memories, and support one another.
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary widely depending on the services and merchandise selected. We’re committed to transparency in our pricing and will provide a detailed breakdown of costs for any arrangements you’re considering. We offer options for every budget and will work within your financial parameters. Our General Price List is available upon request, and we’re happy to discuss payment plans and options.
Planning Ahead
Why should I consider pre-planning my funeral?
Pre-planning allows you to make thoughtful decisions without the emotional stress of a recent loss. It ensures your wishes are known, relieves your family of difficult decisions during their time of grief, and can provide financial protection against inflation. Pre-planning doesn’t require pre-payment, but it does provide peace of mind knowing your family won’t face uncertainty about your wishes.
What happens if I pre-plan with your funeral home but die elsewhere?
Your pre-planning documents can be transferred to another funeral home if needed. If you’ve pre-paid for services, these funds are typically transferable as well. We recommend keeping copies of your pre-arrangement documents with your important papers and letting your family know where they can be found.
Can I make changes to my pre-arrangements?
Yes, you can modify your pre-arrangements at any time. Life circumstances, preferences, and relationships change, and your funeral plans can be updated to reflect these changes. We recommend reviewing your pre-arrangements periodically, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or relocation.
Is pre-payment required when pre-planning?
No, pre-payment is optional. You can pre-plan your arrangements without any financial commitment. However, pre-payment does offer the advantage of locking in current prices and relieving your family of the financial burden at the time of need. We offer flexible payment plans to accommodate your financial situation.
The Funeral Service
How long after death does a funeral typically take place?
In Canada, funerals typically take place within 3-7 days after death. However, this timeline can vary based on family needs, religious traditions, time needed for out-of-town relatives to travel, and other factors. We work with you to establish a timeline that respects your needs and traditions.
Can we personalize the funeral service?
Absolutely. We encourage personalization and can help you create a meaningful service that reflects the unique life and personality of your loved one. This might include special music, photo displays, memorabilia, customized programs, personal readings, video tributes, or unique rituals. Our staff excels at helping families create services that truly honor their loved one’s life and legacy.
What role do children play in the funeral?
Children can participate in funerals in ways appropriate to their age and comfort level. They might help select music, write letters to place in the casket, draw pictures, release balloons, or participate in readings. We believe including children in the funeral process, with proper support and preparation, helps them understand and process grief. We’re happy to discuss specific ways your children might be included.
Is embalming required by law?
Embalming is not required by law in Ontario unless specific circumstances apply, such as transportation across provincial or international boundaries. However, if you choose to have an open-casket viewing or service, embalming is recommended. Alternatives to embalming include refrigeration for short periods or immediate burial or cremation.
Cremation Questions
What happens during the cremation process?
Cremation reduces the body to its basic elements through a process that uses heat and flame. The body is placed in a cremation container or casket made of combustible material, then placed in the cremation chamber where intense heat reduces it to bone fragments. These fragments are processed into a finer consistency and placed in the urn you’ve selected or a temporary container if an urn hasn’t been purchased.
Can we witness the cremation?
Yes, many families choose to witness the beginning of the cremation process as part of their farewell ritual. Our crematory accommodates family witnesses, and we can explain what to expect and help make this a meaningful experience for those who wish to participate.
What can be done with cremated remains?
There are many options for cremated remains. They can be:
- Placed in a niche in a columbarium
- Buried in a cemetery plot or cremation garden
- Scattered in a meaningful location (where legally permitted)
- Kept at home in a decorative urn
- Divided among family members in keepsake urns
- Incorporated into memorial jewelry, glass art, or other keepsakes
- Used in specialized memorials such as artificial reefs or tree plantings
Are there any restrictions on what can be placed in the casket or cremation container?
Some items are not permitted in caskets or cremation containers due to environmental concerns or safety issues during cremation. Items that contain batteries, glass, or certain metals may need to be removed before cremation. We’re happy to discuss any specific items you’d like to include and find appropriate solutions.
After the Funeral
What grief support services do you offer?
We provide a range of grief support resources, including:
- Information packets on the grief process
- Referrals to local support groups and counselors
- Access to our online grief library
- Follow-up care in the weeks and months after the funeral
- Annual remembrance events
- Resources specifically for children, teens, and adults
How do we obtain death certificates and how many should we request?
We assist in obtaining death certificates as part of our service. The number you’ll need depends on the complexity of the estate, but we typically recommend 10-15 copies. Death certificates are required for insurance claims, banking matters, property transfers, and various legal and financial purposes. Additional copies can be obtained later if needed.
What should we do with our loved one’s social media accounts?
Each social media platform has different policies regarding deceased users’ accounts. Some allow for memorialization, while others provide options for removal. We can provide general guidance on managing digital legacy, but you’ll need to contact each platform directly for specific procedures.
How long does it take to receive cremated remains?
Typically, cremated remains are available within 3-5 business days after all authorizations have been completed and the cremation has taken place. We’ll notify you when they’re ready and arrange for pickup or delivery according to your preference.
Financial Considerations
What payment options do you accept?
We accept various payment methods, including:
- Cash, cheque, and major credit cards
- Life insurance assignment
- Pre-need funeral funds
- Estate payment (in certain circumstances)
- Payment plans for pre-need arrangements
Payment for at-need services is typically due at the time of arrangement, while pre-planning offers more flexible payment options.
Are there any government benefits to help with funeral costs?
In Ontario, there are several potential sources of financial assistance:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit
- Last Post Fund for Veterans
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board benefits for work-related deaths
- Ontario Works for those who qualify based on financial need
Our staff can provide information about these benefits and assist with applications where appropriate.
Does insurance cover funeral expenses?
Life insurance policies can be used to cover funeral expenses. If you plan to use insurance proceeds, please bring the policy information to the arrangement conference. We can often accept assignment of insurance benefits, meaning the insurance company pays us directly rather than requiring you to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
What is included in the basic service fee?
Our basic service fee covers our professional expertise in assisting with planning the funeral, coordinating the arrangements, obtaining necessary authorizations, and sheltering the remains. This fee is included in all our service packages. Additional services such as visitation, ceremony, transportation, and merchandise are itemized separately to allow you to select only what you desire.
If you have additional questions not addressed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (613) 386-7373 or via email at [email protected]. Our team is always available to provide the information you need during this difficult time.