Guidelines to Cemetery Arrangements

A cemetery provides a place to permanently memorialize each person interred there. The knowledge that loved ones are perpetually recognized and honoured beyond our own lifetime can be a source of comfort during and after the time of bereavement.

Traditionally, families make their interment arrangements at the same time as their funeral plans. The funeral director, in consultation with the cemetery staff, is available to assist the family through this process.

It is necessary to ensure that families are given the best service possible. With this in mind, it is not realistic to expect funeral directors to be aware of all the regulations affecting individual cemeteries.

The following information is intended to assist you in making your cemetery arrangements.

Factors to Consider When Choosing A Cemetery

• Are other family members interred there?
• Does the cemetery represent and/or support your religious beliefs?
• Does the cemetery offer a variety of interment options?
• Does the cemetery allow for the payment of interments on a pre-need basis?
• Are cemetery prices within your budget?
• Please note that you are not purchasing the property, but the rights for interment on that property.

Questions to Ask of Your Cemeterian

• What are the plot options: single or multiple, interment space(s), creation, niche, crypt?
• What are the monument restrictions for each type of interment?
• What are the cemetery recommendations regarding the use of an outer container?

Usually, this information is contained in the by-laws available from the cemetery. You will be required to agree to abide by these by-laws.

Once a Cemetery Has Been Chosen

Plot Selection

• Contact the cemetery to arrange for the plot selection. By visiting the cemetery, you will be assured that you know the plot location and layout.
• Complete the contract for the purchase of interment rights. This contract represents your written agreement to purchase the interment rights at an agreed price. Your cemeterian will be able to explain all the aspects of this contract and can answer any questions that you may have.

Interment Procedure

Once the plot is selected, the following information is required before the cemetery is obliged to commence with the lot opening.

• Proof that the person arranging the interment is the authorized interment-rights holder, either by purchase, transfer or inheritance. This prevents unauthorized interments in the plot.
• A copy of the burial permit. This permit ensures that the vital statistics are duly registered with the provincial government and confirms that the deceased has been released to the funeral director for disposition.
• A signed interment contract. This represents your written permission to proceed with the interment, in the lot that you specify, with the services you have requested and at the agreed fee.

If you choose to allow the funeral director to make these arrangements on your behalf, the cemetery should be notified in writing.