I live in Aurora. Can I still use your services?
Yes. We can help with your funeral arrangements no matter where you live.

Why do we have to pay tax on death?
That's a question only the federal government can answer.

I understand the advantages of pre-paying, but what happens to my funds when they are deposited?
Pre-paid monies are held in a Trust Fund from which they can only be removed upon receipt of a cancellation letter signed by the purchaser, or when the death occurs. All interest accumulated in the account belongs to the purchaser or his/her estate. However, the purchaser can cancel at any time with the option of having his/her money refunded, along with accrued interest, less a small administration fee, or The Simple Alternative can transfer the trust fund to another funeral home of your choice. The second option precludes the issuing of a T5 on accrued interest.

What is involved in the cremation process?
The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1,000°C. After approximately one and half hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. What is left are bone fragments. The bone fragments are carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in the cemetery grounds. The bone fragments are then processed into fine particles (more commonly called 'ashes') and are placed in a temporary container provided by the crematorium or placed in an urn purchased by the family, as instructed on the Application for Cremation. The entire process takes approximately three hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled labelling system ensures correct identification.

Do we get ashes from the casket as well?
No. All organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. What remains are bone fragments which are then processed into fine particles referred to as cremated remains or ashes.

How much do ashes weigh?
The ashes of an average adult weigh approximately six to eight pounds, and by volume are approximately 200 cubic inches.

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