From the Director's Desk

Reselling Cemetery Property You may resell interment or scattering rights to another person if the cemetery by-laws permit it. (For example, you could advertise them on platforms like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.) If you choose to resell, you must notify the cemetery operator, who will then transfer the rights to the new owner. Please note: rights cannot be resold for more than the price listed on the cemetery’s current price list. If the cemetery by-laws do not allow resale to a third party, the cemetery operator must buy back the rights from you at the current price list value, minus any amounts already paid into the cemetery’s care and maintenance fund. The cemetery operator may also charge an administration fee for processing a resale. However, cemeteries are not required to buy back rights for a grave in a plot (two or more graves purchased together) if any grave within that plot has already been used. If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to reach out...

What to Wear at a Funeral or Visitation: A Quick Guide Deciding what to wear to a funeral or visitation can feel overwhelming, especially during an emotional time. While every service is different, a few simple guidelines can help you choose something appropriate, comfortable, and respectful. Keep It Respectful Dark colours such as black, navy, or charcoal are the traditional choice. If you don’t own black clothing, neutral tones like grey, beige, or dark blue are also suitable. The key is to avoid anything that stands out or draws attention away from the purpose of the gathering. Aim for Modesty Think of clothing you might wear to a job interview or formal occasion. Outfits should be clean, neat, and not overly casual. Avoid items that are flashy, revealing, or distracting. Comfort Counts Services often involve sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods. Choose clothing and shoes that you can comfortably wear for several hours. When in Doubt, Keep It Simple Some fam...

  The Best Gift You Can Give: Pre-Arranging Your Funeral Wishes When we think about giving our loved ones a gift, our minds often go to things we can wrap in paper or place in a box. But there’s one gift that can’t be tied with a bow, yet its value is immeasurable. That gift is peace of mind. Pre-arranging your funeral wishes is one of the most thoughtful and selfless acts you can do for your family. It’s a gift that speaks volumes about your love, foresight, and care for the people who matter most. Why Pre-Arranging Matters When a loved one passes, families are often left with two heavy burdens: grief and the need to make urgent decisions. In the midst of loss, choosing between burial or cremation, selecting a casket, arranging services, and handling costs can feel overwhelming. By making these decisions ahead of time, you lift that weight from your family’s shoulders. Instead of wondering, “What would they have wanted?” , they can focus on honouring your life and supporting ...

  What Is a Funeral? A funeral is more than just a ceremony - it’s a meaningful way to honour a life, bring people together, and begin the healing process after a loss. At its core, a funeral is a ritual that allows family and friends to say goodbye, celebrate the life that was lived, and offer comfort to one another. It’s a tradition found in every culture, religion, and corner of the world. And though practices may differ, the purpose remains the same: to remember, to grieve, and to support. Funeral Myths A Funeral has to involve visitation and a formal ceremony Funerals are different than a Celebration of Life or Wake Funerals have to be at a church or funeral home Funeral Homes don't do Basic Cremations or Celebrations of Life Funerals come in many forms, especially in today's world. They come in different names such as "Celebration of Life", "Wake", "Memorial Service". Even going out as a family for dinner at their favourite restaurant to ce...

What to Include in an Obituary: A Simple, Helpful Guide Writing an obituary is one of those tasks no one ever really expects to do - until they have to. It can feel overwhelming: How do you sum up a life in just a few short paragraphs? The truth is, you don’t have to capture everything. A meaningful obituary doesn’t need to be long or fancy - just thoughtful and true to the person. Whether you’re writing for a loved one or planning ahead for yourself, this                                        guide offers a simple structure to help you get started. --- Basic Information to Include Start with the essentials. These are usually the first lines of an obituary: Full name (including maiden name, if applicable) Age Date and place of death Where they lived > Example : John Michael Anderson, 78, of Hamilton, Ontario, passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2025. --- A Brief Life Story This ...

Simple Ways to Support Someone Who Is Grieving When someone we care about loses a loved one, it’s natural to want to help. But it’s also natural to feel unsure — “What do I say?” or “What if I say the wrong thing?” The truth is, you don’t have to have the perfect words or big gestures. Small, steady acts of kindness can make all the difference for someone in mourning. Here are a few simple, thoughtful ways you can support a grieving friend, neighbour, or family member — not just in the first days, but in the weeks and months that follow. ---  1. Show Up - Gently •Attend the visitation or funeral if possible. •Send a handwritten note or even a text message: “I’m thinking of you. No need to reply, just know I’m here.” •Leave a meal on their doorstep with a note, or send a gift card. •Don’t wait for them to ask for help. Most grieving people won’t. ---  2. Keep Checking In Grief doesn’t disappear after the funeral — in fact, that’s often when it hits hardest. •Set a calendar remi...