The standard service charge represents the basic and necessary costs and services required to facilitate the disposition of a deceased person. This charge is applicable to every family we serve, no matter what services or options are involved in the final arrangements. The standard service charge includes the following:

Professional Services

• Professional consultation with funeral director regarding funeral options and personalization with a focus on Life Appreciation;
• Co-ordination of funeral details with clergy, musicians, cemetery and/or crematorium, organizing vehicles and staff;
• Ordering caskets, urns, flowers, catering, or other products from suppliers;
• Creation of personalized custom stationery;
• Preparation and placement of newspaper death notices, if used.

Administration and Facility

• Includes the general use of the building facility for the purposes of funeral preparation or disposition of the deceased person;
• Includes telephone, fax and photocopier usage where required;
• Administration includes accounting and maintenance of file;
• 24 hour availability to a funeral director by phone.

Documentation

• Preparation of documents required for the disposition of a deceased person including Statement of Death, Burial Permit, Coroner’s Certificates, cremation application or interment permission;
• Providing Proof of Death Certificates for the handling of estate matters, letters of attendance for bereavement leave, clergy record where required and cemetery/crematorium documentation;
• Providing estate checklist and CPP application forms (no charge).

 Administration Vehicle

• Vehicle used for registration of death at City Hall.

Transportation from Place of Death

• Transfer of the deceased from place of death (residence, nursing home or hospital) to our funeral home facility within a 40 km radius of Toronto;
• Additional charge for mileage beyond 40 km is $2.95/km (one way only).

 Shelter

• The sheltering of the deceased in a secured and private climate controlled area until final disposition can take place.

The following services represent additional requirements that may be needed beyond the Standard Service Charge depending on the service you design.

Embalming or Alternative Preparation

Embalming is the disinfection, restoration and temporary preservation of the deceased including bathing, dressing, cosmetics and hairstyling. Alternative preparation is bathing, dressing and the setting of facial features for identification or viewing purposes without embalming.

It is important to know that embalming is not manditory unless the body is going to be transported out of the province and is required by the receiving country/province and/or the carrier transporting the remains. Otherwise, it is your choice. However, embalming is recommended if there will be viewing of the body with an open casket or, if conditions or the length of time between the death and the service are such that it is advisable.

Staff Attendance at a Visitation Centre                     

Staffing requirements to prepare and facilitate the visitation or chapel services includes the preparation of the facilities, setting up of the casket, memorial table, flowers, photos or other tributes as required, receptionist and staff to greet and assist family and guests during service times, and funeral director’s availability throughout the services.

Staff Attendance at Place of Worship, Graveside or Other Venue

Staffing requirements to facilitate services at a place of worship or other venue similar to the above.

Visitation and Lounge

An informal gathering for 1 to 4 hours prior to the funeral or memorial service where family and guests may visit with each other with or without the casket or urn present. Complimentary coffee and tea is provided in a public lounge.

Chapel Service at The Simple Alternative

The rental of the Chapel for 2 hours on the day of the funeral or memorial service. This includes the use of organ and all audio-video amenities if required. Flower stands, religious equipment and memory boards are available.

Lead Car

This vehicle is for the funeral director to lead the procession from the Chapel or other venue to any cemetery or crematorium (within 40 km). It may carry four passengers of your choice. The on-site vehicle is used at a visitiation centre where it does not leave the cemetery grounds.

Funeral Hearse

The hearse is required for transportation of the casket from the Chapel or other venue to any cemetery or crematorium (within 40 km). The on-site vehicle is
used at a VCRC where it does not leave the cemetery grounds.

Flower Vehicle

This vehicle will transport all floral tributes to the graveside.

Reception Facilities

Use of our reception facilities for 50 guests or less includes one room with one hostess to set out the food and to clean up afterwards. Coffee, tea, dishware, cutlery, use of kitchen and music system is included. Two rooms with two hostesses are required for 50 - 100 guests and additional hostesses are required for every additional 50 guests. Catering is not included.