Understanding Funeral Costs in Ontario
Trying to understand how Funeral Homes charge for their services can be a frustrating and confusing exercise.
Mainly, this is because there are so many different components that go into the personalization of a memorial service. However, while the actual costs may differ between establishments, how funeral costs are calculated are generally the same.
We hope the information below will give you the tools to compare the different offerings between establishments and to understand which services are required vs optional. If you would like more information on any of this, please don’t hesitate to call us with your questions. We are always happy to provide guidance when we can.
In Ontario, the cost of Funeral Services has 3 parts:
Service Fees from the Funeral Home
Product Charges (hard costs)
Disbursements paid to third parties on behalf of the family
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Service Fees |
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There are several service fees the funeral home may provide to a family depending on the type of funeral planned. Some of the more common services include:
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Basic Service Fees
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Product Charges |
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Product or hard cost charges often include: |
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Disbursements |
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Disbursements are fees that the Funeral Home pays out to third parties on behalf of the family. Common charges here include: |
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All 3 parts together + applicable HST comprise the sum total for funeral home services
It is also important to note that Cemetery Property and Service Fees (if applicable) are additional and usually paid directly to the cemetery.
EXAMPLE
Many Funeral Homes will use a contract similar to this one, which references a Simple Cremation from Passages for $1,995 + HST
Service Fee: $1,050
Product Charge: $136.50
Disbursements: $784.10 (no hst)
Passages Service Total $1,995.00
plus applicable taxes 13%
Total Cost with Applicable Taxes: $2,152.42
A Detailed Description of Services,
Products and Disbursements
Professional Services
Consultation with a licensed funeral professional regarding funeral options and essential services relating to disposition; may include co-ordination of funeral details with clergy, musicians, crematorium and/or cemetery, assistance drafting notices and the general management of funeral services through disposition.
Legal Documentation
The completion and filing of necessary legal documents including (but not limited to) those required for the disposition of a deceased person including Statement of Death, Burial Permit, Coroner’s Certificates, cremation application and notice to ISP (Income Security). This also includes the provision for up to 12 (or more) Proof of Death Certificates for the handling of estate matters, letters of attendance for bereavement leave and clergy /cemetery / crematorium records as required.
Transfer of the Deceased
Removal of the decedent from place of death (residence, nursing home or hospital) to our facility within a 100km radius of the establishment. Additional rate of $2.95/km may be charged for transfers in excess of 100km (one way only).
Basic Preparation
Includes bathing, dressing and the setting of facial features without embalming. Also includes the supply of linens, gloves and protection for the transfer; disposal of medical waste and clothing; covering the deceased in a shroud or clothing as provided by the family and placing the deceased into a casket or container of choice.
Embalming
Embalming is not required by law, however in some instances it may be suggested or recommended to preserve the body between time of death and viewing of the deceased. When employed, it is a temporary disinfection, restoration and preservation of the deceased for visitation.
Facilities for Holding / Preparation
Includes the general use of the building facility for the purposes of funeral arrangements and the sheltering of the deceased in a secure and private area until final disposition can take place.
Staff for Ceremony
Includes Passages staff for up to three hours to set up and oversee services of remembrance, ceremony, celebration of life and/or interment at a cemetery.
Administrative Vehicle
The administrative vehicle is the utility vehicle used to register the death at City Hall and other administrative tasks required to fulfill disposition.
Cremation Container A basic casket with a wooden base and cardboard covering.
Coroner’s Certificate
In Ontario, a Coroner’s Certificate to cremate is required before cremation can take place. This fee is set by the Chief Coroner of Ontario and is paid directly to the approving medical professional.
Municipal Registration
The fee charged by the local municipality to register a death.
Cremation Fee
The fee charged by the crematorium for the process of cremation. Over 250lbs and family witnessing may incur additional costs.
Refundable Deposit, Cremated Remains
Professional regulations state the Provider may charge a $350 deposit for the interment of unclaimedcremated remains after 1 year. Passages Eco Conscious Cremation and Burial Inc. does not charge this fee.
Clergy / Church Fees
Generally considered an honorarium, these fees are set by the clergy for officiating at a Church, Cemetery, Funeral Home or other venue. In addition to the Clergy, additional fees may apply for the services of an Organist, Cantor, Custodian etc.
Cemetery Opening and Closing Fees
Paid directly to the cemetery at cost, fees are for the cemetery staff to prepare property for disposition.