This guide aims to answer some key questions about making funeral or cremation arrangements in Toronto, Ontario. We provide an overview of some legal aspects of making funeral plans specific to Ontario funeral laws and what funeral or cremation costs to expect.
With the average traditional funeral in Toronto, Ontario costing between $7,000 and $10,000, and that’s before a cemetery plot & grave marker are added to the total bill, it’s not hard to see why more and more families in Toronto, Ontario are looking at cremation as an alternative.
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The first step in arranging a funeral in Toronto is to decide upon a funeral company to conduct the funeral service. This can be daunting if you have not had to arrange a funeral beforehand. There are over 70+ funeral homes in the Greater Toronto Area, so it is important to have some clear criteria for how you are going to decide which funeral home can best serve you.
In the majority of cases, people opt to go to a local funeral home or one that relatives or the hospital/hospice have recommended. A recommendation is always reassuring. However, if you are working to a budget for your funeral, you may need to compare funeral prices.
The price for a funeral in the GTA can vary considerably – do ensure you get more than one quote for funeral services if you are looking for an affordable funeral.
How much does a funeral cost in Toronto?
Prices between funeral homes can vary considerably, and much is dependent on what type of service you require and what funeral merchandise you select. All funeral homes have a ‘general price list’ that fully itemizes their products and services, and a funeral home must provide this to you when quoting you a funeral price.
Prices for the funeral director’s “professional service fee” can differ, and the cost of what kind of casket or urn you select can affect the overall price. Additional things such as visitations, officiants, flowers, and obituary notices can all be supplemental costs.
The cost of a funeral/cremation in Toronto can range anywhere from $1,795 to $12,000.
What is the most affordable funeral option in Toronto?
A direct cremation is the most affordable and simple funeral option. A direct cremation means that the deceased remains are collected from the place of death, cremated, and the remains returned to the family in a basic urn. The family can then choose to do as they wish with the cremated remains, including holding their own memorial service at a place and time suitable for all family members to attend and/or an ash-scattering.
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What is the Process for Cremation in Toronto?
In Toronto, Canada, the cremation process follows a standardized procedure. After your loved one is transported to the crematory or funeral home, the following steps will undertaken.
Here is a general overview of the cremation process:
1. Documentation: The first step completed is the required paperwork, including obtaining a death certificate and obtaining permission for cremation.
2. Preparation: The deceased is prepared for cremation by removing any medical devices, jewelry, or other personal items. The body is then placed in a cremation container, which is typically made of wood, cardboard, or a combustible material.
3. Identification: A unique identification tag is assigned to the deceased, which stays with them throughout the entire cremation process.
4. Cremation: The cremation takes place in a specially designed cremation chamber, also known as a cremator. The chamber reaches temperatures of around 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing the body to bone fragments through intense heat and evaporation.
5. Cooling and Ash Collection: After the cremation process, the remains are allowed to cool down. Once cooled, the remaining bone fragments are carefully collected from the chamber.
6. Processing: The bone fragments are further processed to remove any metal or non-combustible materials, such as dental fillings or prosthetics. This is done through a specialized machine called a cremulator. The processed bone fragments are then pulverized into a fine, sand-like consistency, known as cremated remains or ashes. These ashes are placed in a temporary container or an urn, as per the family’s choice.
8. Returning the Cremated Remains: The ashes are returned to the family, who can decide to keep them, scatter them in a designated area, or choose another method of memorialization.
It’s important to note that specific details and regulations may vary depending on the crematorium and funeral home in Toronto. Talk to your funeral professional if you have any questions or concerns about the process.
What legal documentation is required for a cremation disposition in Toronto, Ontario?
The necessary paperwork required for a cremation to be conducted in Toronto typically includes:
Death Certificate: A death certificate is an official document issued by the government that certifies the death of an individual. It is usually obtained from the Registrar General’s Office or the Office of the Registrar of Vital Statistics. The funeral home or crematorium will usually obtain the death certificate on behalf of the family before the cremation process can proceed.
Cremation Authorization Form: This form grants permission for the cremation to take place. It is usually signed by the next of kin or the authorized representative of the deceased. The form may require details such as the deceased’s name, date of death, and the signature of the authorized person.
Medical Certificate of Death: This document is completed by a physician or a medical examiner and states the cause of death. It is necessary to obtain a medical certificate of death before a death certificate can be issued.
Identification Documents: The funeral home or crematorium may require identification documents of the deceased, such as a government-issued identification card or a passport, to ensure proper identification throughout the cremation process.
Pre-arrangement or Pre-need Contract (if applicable): If the deceased had pre-arranged or pre-paid for their cremation services, the funeral home or crematorium may require the relevant contract or documentation to verify the arrangements.
Why is a Medical Certificate a legal requirement for issuing a death certificate in Toronto?
A medical certificate of death is a legal document that provides information about the cause and circumstances of an individual’s death. It is typically completed by a physician or a medical examiner. The medical certificate of death serves as an official record of the cause of death and is an important component in the process of issuing a death certificate.
It is a crucial step in the process of issuing a death certificate, serving legal, accountability, and public health purposes. It ensures that deaths are properly documented and verified by medical professionals, reducing the risk of false information being provided or death certificates being issued without proper cause of death determination.
Do I need to use the services of a funeral director for a burial in Toronto?
No, you can arrange a burial without the services of a funeral director. Some funeral homes in the GTA offer what they call a “transfer service,” and this basically means that they will collect the deceased and transport them to the crematorium or cemetery. You can arrange to complete the necessary documentation yourself, or the transfer service will do this for you. A death certificate and a permit to cremate or bury the body must be applied for.
What can be referred to as “home funerals” are becoming more common. This is when the family coordinates the arrangements of the disposition and the care of the deceased’s body until cremation or burial. This significantly eliminates costs that a funeral business would ordinarily charge.
Is embalming required in Toronto?
No, embalming is not necessarily required and is not legally required in GTA. Funeral homes will often recommend embalming in certain circumstances. If there is likely to be a 48-hour plus delay before a burial or cremation or if a visitation or viewing is required.
What can I do with the cremated remains in Ontario?
You have a few options for what you can do with the cremated remains. You can choose to keep the remains in a keepsake urn or several urns with the family. The cremated remains can be interred in a columbarium at a crematorium or memorial garden.
Alternatively, you can elect to scatter the remains or ashes. According to the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services, you can scatter remains on any “unoccupied Crown land, and those Crown lands covered by water” and do NOT require a permit.
You should check if you wish to scatter the ashes in a public place, as a permit may be required. You will need the owner’s consent if you wish to scatter remains on private property.
If you want to do something completely different, there are now options such as creating a memorial gem, cremation fireworks, or even sending cremated remains into space!
What happens if the deceased dies in another province or country and needs transport back to Toronto?
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This happens more often now that have become a more transient nation, especially since more Canadians chose to ‘snow-bird’ or retire in warmer climates. The funeral home in Toronto would need to coordinate with a funeral professional at the place of death and arrange for the preparation of the body for shipping back to Toronto. Air Canada does offer a very comprehensive funeral shipping service.
Visit our Funeral Shipping page for more information.
Is it possible to donate a body to science in Toronto?
Many people choose to make an ‘anatomical donation’ as their legacy on death. Such a bequeathal can be a unique contribution to the advancement of medicine and is often also referred to as an “anatomical gift.”
The Trillium Gift of Life Network Act (2002) makes such donations legal as long as there is no objection by an executor or next-of-kin. The Faculty of Medicine accepts donations at the University of Toronto. The donor must complete A donation consent form beforehand or by the family at the time of death.
The University will cover all costs for the collection of the deceased, the anatomical donation, and the cremation of the remains, which can then be returned to the family at a later date if desired.
For more information, visit our article on Donating a body to science for medical research.
Or contact the University: Division of Anatomy, University of Toronto, 1132-1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8.
What should you do if you have a complaint about a funeral home in Toronto?
As the funeral industry is regulated, you can make a formal complaint about the services of a funeral establishment to either the Ontario Board of Funeral Services at 77 Bay Street, Suite 2810, Toronto, M5G 2C8. Or the Ministry of Consumer Services at 5775 Yonge Street, Suite 1500, Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E5.
Cemeteries, Crematoriums, and Memorial Gardens in the Greater Toronto Area:
Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 6933 Tomken Rd, Mississauga, ON, L5T1N4
Bayview Cemetery Crematory Mausoleum, 740 Spring Gardens Rd, Burlington, ON, L7T1J3
Beth Jacob Cemetery, 1250 Snake Rd, Burlington, ON, L7P5A7
Beth Tzedec Memorial Park, 5822 Bathurst St, North York, ON, M2R1Y6
Brampton Memorial Gardens Memorial Chapel & Visitation Centre, 10061 Chinguacousy Rd At Bovaird Dr, Brampton, ON
BRAMPTON, Municipal Cemeteries Brampton Cemetery, 10 Wilson Ave, Brampton, ON, L6Y4R2
Burlington Memorial Gardens, 3353 Guelph Line RR 1, Burlington, ON, L7R3X4
Catholic Cemeteries-Archdiocese Of Toronto, 4950 Yonge St, North York, ON, M2N6K1
Christ The King Cemetery, 7770 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON, L6B1A8
Duffin Meadows Cemetery, 2505 Brock Rd, Pickering, ON, L1V2P8
Elgin Mills Cemetery And Visitation Centre, 1591 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill, ON, L4S1M9
Forest Lawn Mausoleum & Crematorium, 4570 Yonge St, North York, ON, M2N5L6
Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens Memorial Chapel & Reception Centre, 3164 Ninth Line, Oakville, ON, L6H7A8
Glendale/Glenview Memorial Gardens Cemetery Crematorium Mausoleum, 7541 Hwy 50, Toronto, ON
Glendale/Glenview Memorial Gardens Cemetery Mausoleum & Visitation Centre, 1810 Albion Rd, Etobicoke, ON, M9W5T1
Groveside Cemetery, 5155 Baldwin St S, Brooklin, ON, L0B1C0
Hamilton Municipal Cemeteries, 777 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON, L8R2A4
Highland Hills Memorial Gardens, 12492 Woodbine, Bethesda, ON
Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery Crematorium mausoleum, 33 Memory Gardens Ln, North York, ON
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 8361 Yonge St, Thornhill, ON, L3T2C7
King City Cemetery, 2580 King Rd, King City, ON, L7B1J7
Meadowvale Cemetery And Visitation Centre, 7732 Mavis Rd, Brampton, ON, L6V5L5
Mount Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Cremation Centre, 21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, ON, L1N3K4
Mount Pleasant Cemetery And Visitation Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON, M4T2V8
Mount Pleasant Group Of Cemeteries, 65 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H1P1
Mount Sinai Memorial Park, 986 Wilson Ave, North York, ON, M3K1G5
OAKVILLE, Municipal Cemeteries, St Jude’s Cemetery, 258 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON, L6K1E8
Pardes Shalom Cemetery, 10953 Dufferin, Maple, ON, L0J1E0
Park Lawn Company Ltd, 57 Linelle St, North York, ON, M2N2J4
Pine Hills Cemetery And Visitation Centre, 625 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough, ON, M1K1R1
Pine Ridge Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Cremation Centre, 541 Taunton Rd At Church St, Ajax, ON
Prospect Cemetery & Mausoleum, 1450 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6E1C6
Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 355 Taunton Rd E, Whitby, ON
Spring Creek Cemetery Inc, Clarkson Rd N, Clarkson, ON, L5J3X9
St James’ Cemetery & Crematorium, 635 Parliament St, Toronto, ON, M4X1R1
St John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium, 256 Kingston Rd, Toronto, ON, M4L1S7
St Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery, 1280 Dundas St W, Oakville, ON, L6M4H9
St. John’s Dixie Cemetery & Crematorium, 737 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON, L4Y2B5
Thornton Cemetery Crematorium And Mausoleum, 1200 Thornton Rd N, Oshawa, ON, L1H7K4
Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery, 1149 Dundas St W, Oakville, ON, L6M4L8
Westminster Cemetery Mausoleum & Crematorium, 5830 Bathurst St, North York, ON, M2R1Y6
White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 1895 Main W, Hamilton, ON
York Cemetery & Visitation Chapel, 160 Beecroft Rd, Toronto, ON, M2N5Z5
Notes:
The Greater Toronto Area is generally divided into four regions:
- Durham Region: Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, Whitby
- Halton Region: Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville
- Peel Region: Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga
- York Region: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville
The City of Toronto is at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area (the GTA) and part of the “Golden Horseshoe,” which has a total populace of approximately 8.1 million people.
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