Frequently Asked Questions

No, we are not a funeral home; we are what is termed a "transfer service". We are licensed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Our staff members are licensed funeral directors and also licensed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario.

We do not offer traditional funeral services. We are licensed to offer alternative services, for example, direct cremation and direct burial services. This type of license was created by the Ontario government to allow families to bypass using a traditional funeral home and go directly to an alternative service provider. We do not provide embalming and visitation and are unable to arrange or assist at funeral services or memorial services.

Direct cremation is transporting the deceased from the place of death (home, hospital, hospice or nursing home) to our facility, placing the deceased in a cremation container, the arrangement conference, preparation of all necessary documentation, obtaining and filing all required documents and permits, supplying Proof of Death Certificates, Canada Pension Plan information and transportation to crematorium.

No, embalming is not legally required in Ontario.

No, but the law does require that the body be placed in a combustible container for transportation to the crematorium and for the cremation process itself. The construction of this container can be made of wood or cardboard.

Yes, whether for religious reasons or peace of mind, family members may accompany us to the crematorium and be present for the initiation of the cremation process.

For an average size adult, cremation takes from 2-3 hours at normal operating temperature of 1800 degrees F.

All crematoriums in Ontario have strict operating policies and procedures and are licensed under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process using a stainless steel I.D. tag system.

An urn is not required by law. An urn may be desired if there is to be a family gathering/memorial service or if the remains are to be interred in a cemetery. We offer a wide array of urns and memorial keepsakes. If an urn is not purchased through us, or provided by the family, then the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary rigid plastic container.

There are many options. The cremated remains may be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche or kept at home. They may also be scattered. Options for scattering may be in a memorial garden at a cemetery, over a body of water, over private property or a host of other personal options. The scattering of cremated remains is to be handled in accordance with Ontario municipal laws and bylaws.

Check with your local cemetery. Some cemeteries state in their bylaws that vaults are mandatory. If a vault is not mandatory, then it is a personal choice.