From the Director's Desk

 What is Aquamation? Aquamation is a gentle, water-based alternative to flame-based cremation. Professionally known as “Alkaline Hydrolysis” and more commonly as “Aquamation” or "Water Cremation"; it is the same process that takes place naturally when a body is laid to rest in the soil.  A combination of gentle water flow, temperature and alkalinity accelerates the natural breakdown of organic materials with no direct emissions of greenhouse gases or mercury into the atmosphere. Alkali is added to the process based on individual characteristics (weight, sex, embalming status), and the vessel fills with water. The solution of 95% water and 5% alkali is heated to 200 - 300°F, and gently circulated for the entire length of the process. At the end of the process, all material is broken down to the smallest building blocks; there is no DNA or RNA remaining. The sterile process water is released for recycling (our bodies are approximately 65% water to begin with), and the vessel pe...

  Loss During the Holidays The holidays are often described as a season of joy, togetherness, and tradition. But for those who are grieving, this time of year can feel especially heavy. The absence of a loved one is often felt more deeply when familiar routines, gatherings, and celebrations bring their memory sharply into focus. For many families, the holidays highlight what has changed. Empty chairs, altered traditions, and moments of quiet reflection can make loss feel fresh all over again, even years later. There is no “right” way to grieve during the holidays, and there is no obligation to meet expectations of cheer or celebration. It is okay to simplify plans. It is okay to say no. It is okay to honour a loved one in a quiet, personal way, or to step back from traditions that feel too painful this year. Grief does not follow a calendar, and healing is not linear. For funeral professionals, the holidays are also a time when we may encounter heightened emotions from the families...

  In today’s world, much of our lives are online. From Facebook pages and Instagram memories to email accounts and online banking, the digital footprint someone leaves behind can be extensive. When a loved one passes, handling their online presence can feel overwhelming but it’s an important part of settling their affairs and protecting their legacy. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this digital side of loss. 1. Take Time Before Taking Action It’s okay not to rush. Many families find comfort in visiting a loved one’s social media page in the early days after their passing. These spaces often become digital memorials filled with photos, condolences, and memories. When you’re ready, you can begin to decide how you’d like to manage these accounts long-term. 2. Gather Information Before contacting any online platforms, try to compile as much information as possible: A list of the person’s email addresses and usernames Passwords, if known (though never guess or hack, al...

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...

Cremation vs. Burial - What’s the Difference and How Do I Choose? When a loved one passes, or when planning ahead for your own wishes, one of the first and most personal decisions is choosing between cremation and burial . For some, the choice is guided by faith or tradition. For others, it may come down to cost, flexibility, or personal comfort. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - only what feels right for you and your family. In this post, we’ll walk through the key differences to help you make an informed, thoughtful decision. What is Cremation? Cremation is the process of using high heat to reduce a body to ashes. After cremation, the remains (called "cremated remains" or “ashes”) are placed in an urn and can be: Kept by the family Buried in a cemetery Scattered in a meaningful location (according to local laws) Placed in a columbarium niche Why Some Families Choose Cremation: Generally more affordable than traditional burial Flexibility in planning a...

Things You Can Say at a Funeral or Visitation These phrases are gentle, sincere, and respectful  - ideal for most situations: General Expressions of Sympathy “I’m so sorry for your loss.” “You’re in my thoughts.” “We’re holding you in our hearts.” “My heart goes out to you and your family.” If You Knew the Person Who Passed “They were such a wonderful person - I feel lucky to have known them.” “I’ll always remember [a specific memory or quality, like ‘her kindness’ or ‘his sense of humour’].” “They meant a lot to so many people.” If You Don’t Know What to Say “I don’t have the right words, but I’m here for you.” “Just wanted you to know I care.” (Sometimes, a hug, a hand on the shoulder, or quiet presence says more than words.) Faith-Based (if appropriate to the family) “You’re in my prayers.” “May God give you strength and peace.” “They are with the Lord now.” What to Avoid Even with good intentions, certain phrases can be hurtful or dismissive: “T...

What Comes After: Helpful Things to Do Once the Funeral Is Over When the last guest has gone home and the flowers begin to wilt, a quiet often settles in — not just in the house, but in the heart. After weeks (sometimes months) of planning, coordinating, and holding it all together, the question many people ask themselves is: “Now what?” As funeral professionals, we’ve walked with families through those early stages of grief, and one thing we hear time and time again is that the silence after the funeral can be one of the hardest parts. So today, we want to gently share some ideas — not about “moving on,” but about moving through . These small, helpful actions can offer purpose and comfort in the days and weeks following a loss. 1. Start a Memory Project Grief has a way of bubbling up when we least expect it. Channeling that emotion into something tangible can be healing. Consider: Making a scrapbook or digital photo album Writing a few stories about your loved one Creati...