Ask A Funeral Director

Choosing a funeral home is a deeply personal decision, and we are honoured to be considered. Here are a few reasons families like yours have trusted us for nearly 100 years:

1. Compassionate, Pressure-Free Care: Unlike some funeral homes, our Funeral Directors are not commission-based. This means our sole focus is on providing you with the guidance and care you need, free from sales pressure.
2. Family-Owned Legacy: As a fourth-generation family-owned funeral home, we understand the importance of family. Our 100 years of service reflect our enduring commitment to treating every family we serve with the same care and respect we’d give our own.
3. Transparent and Fair Pricing: We prioritize transparency with no hidden fees, no cutting corners, and many complimentary items included. Our pricing is competitive, and we work with families to ensure services fit their budget without compromising quality.
4. Personalized Services: Every life is unique, and our team is dedicated to helping you create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s life and legacy. From small gatherings to large ceremonies, our options are fully customizable.
5. Comprehensive Support: We provide more than just funeral services. From assisting with government documentation to offering complimentary bereavement services and helping families navigate life’s next steps, we are with you every step of the way.
6. Modern and Inclusive Facilities: Our chapels are spacious, welcoming, and fully accessible, with reception facilities, on-site parking, live-streaming capabilities and proximity to public transit. We strive to ensure every family and guest feels comfortable and accommodated.
7. Unwavering Availability: Death doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. Our team is available 24/7 to provide prompt and compassionate support whenever you need us.

By choosing us, you’re not just selecting a funeral home—you’re choosing a dedicated partner in honouring your loved one with the care, respect, and dignity they deserve. We would be privileged to serve your family during this important time.

No, our Funeral Directors do not work on a commission basis. Our dedicated team is here to guide you in choosing the most suitable options for you and your budget, prioritizing compassion and care over high pressure sales tactics. Unlike many other funeral homes, our Funeral Directors do not receive any compensation related to anything you select for your loved one.

Yes, we are proud to be a family-owned and operated establishment for four generations of the Cardinal family. This upcoming year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate our 100th anniversary, a testament to our enduring commitment to the community.

Our services are competitively priced compared to other funeral homes in the area, but what truly sets us apart is the exceptional quality of care and attention we provide. We take pride in offering families not just affordability, but value.

Unlike some other funeral homes, we don’t believe in “nickel-and-diming” families during an already difficult time. Many of the items and services we include—such as a legacy book and video, access to bereavement care, and assistance with government documentation—are complimentary, ensuring you receive a seamless and supportive experience without unexpected costs.

We are also committed to complete transparency in our pricing. There are no hidden fees or surprises—every cost is explained upfront, and we are always happy to discuss our pricing structure in detail. Our goal is to help you plan a service that not only honours your loved one beautifully but also fits comfortably within your budget.

Finally, while our pricing is competitive, we never cut corners. Every service we provide is delivered with the utmost care and professionalism, ensuring that your family receives the best possible experience during this challenging time. We strive to provide unparalleled warmth and support, helping you focus on what matters most—celebrating the life of your loved one.

Absolutely. We understand that every life is unique, and our Funeral Directors are devoted to helping you create a personalized service that beautifully honours your loved one’s life and legacy.

Yes, we are pleased to offer reception facilities at our Annette Street chapel. Our team is here to assist you with catering arrangements, ensuring a heartfelt gathering for family and friends.

Our facilities are designed to accommodate gatherings of various sizes. Our Annette location can accommodate gatherings of up to 120 guests while our Bathurst location can accommodate up to 180 guests. Our visitation suites are also able to be customized to feel more welcoming if you are expecting fewer friends and family.

Yes, we are deeply committed to inclusivity and ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and accommodated at our facilities. Both of our chapels are designed with accessibility in mind, providing features that allow individuals with mobility challenges to comfortably attend services.

Our Bathurst chapel is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramp access, wide doorways, and barrier-free restrooms to ensure ease of movement throughout the facility. The layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.

Our Annette Street chapel also features accessibility options, including designated parking spaces near the entrance, a side entrance for easy access, and an interior that ensures guests with mobility needs can participate fully in the service or gathering.

In addition to these physical features, our staff is always on hand to provide any assistance needed, whether it’s guiding guests to accessible entrances, helping with seating arrangements, or accommodating other special needs. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees, so everyone can honour their loved one with dignity and ease.

Indeed, we proudly offer complimentary bereavement services through our partnership with Good Grief! Bereavement Healing Services. Our mission is to provide heartfelt support to families navigating their grief journey before, during and after the services we provide.

Yes, we consider it a privilege to assist you with the necessary administrative tasks following a loss. Our Extended Family Care Team is here to guide you through processes such as government benefit applications (e.g., CPP Death Benefit, Survivor’s Pension), OHIP and health card cancellations, and other essential documentation. We also provide proof of death certificates, help notify financial institutions, and assist with insurance claims to ensure nothing is overlooked.

For more complex matters, such as estate settlements or legal issues, we can connect you with trusted professionals to address your specific needs. Our goal is to simplify these tasks so you can focus on honoring your loved one and supporting your family.

If you have questions, our team is always available to provide guidance, ensuring these processes are as smooth and stress-free as possible during this difficult time.

We offer a wide selection of caskets and cremation containers to suit every budget. Our fully stocked casket selection room invites you to explore your options in a supportive and respectful environment where you can make your decision that best suits the needs of your family. Our prices range from $605 for a simple particleboard cremation container to more than $13,000 for caskets that feature more intricate details and craftsmanship.

Yes, our Pre-Planning team is here to provide comprehensive information about all available options for planning your funeral services in advance, giving you peace of mind for the future. There are different funding options available ensuring any plans fit your budget and your money is always, safe and secure with the option to cancel or transfer your arrangements at any point in the future.

Absolutely. Both of our locations offer convenient on-site parking for your comfort. Should our parking lot become full, we also have additional parking options available nearby to ensure that you and your guests have a seamless experience. Both of our locations are also located near major public transit lines to ensure that your guests who do not travel by car are easily able to pay their respects in person.

Unlike many funeral homes, we don’t require full payment at the time of contract signing. Instead, we ask for an initial deposit of 50% of our fees (plus all cash advances to 3^rd parties), with the remaining balance due within 30 days. We understand that funerals can be stressful and often unexpected, and we aim to provide you with the time needed to secure funds. We accept various payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, debit cards, bank drafts, cash, personal cheques, and money orders.

Choosing what type of funeral is appropriate is a deeply personal decision that should reflect the wishes and personality of your loved one. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; instead, there are countless ways to honour their memory. Our team is here to assist you in crafting a service that best represents who they were and what they valued. Together, we can create a meaningful experience that brings comfort to all who gather to celebrate their life.

No, having a public viewing is not required—it is entirely a personal choice. Some families find comfort in a viewing, as it provides an opportunity for friends and loved ones to say their goodbyes, support the family through their grieving and offers a sense of closure. Others may prefer to have a private family gathering or skip a viewing altogether. We are here to help you explore all the options available and create a service that best honours your loved one’s wishes and aligns with what feels right for your family.

Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body after death to delay decomposition. It typically includes the use of chemicals to sanitize and restore a natural appearance, allowing for viewing during a memorial service. While embalming is not legally required in most cases, it provides valuable time for families to plan memorialization services and allows for an open casket if desired. Ultimately, the decision to embalm is personal and should reflect the wishes of the deceased and their loved ones.

If a death occurs overnight, don’t worry—you can call us immediately. Our team is available by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to guide you through the next steps. We will assist with transportation arrangements and any necessary notifications. Whether the passing occurs at home, in a care facility, hospital, or elsewhere, you can rely on us to provide prompt and compassionate support at any hour.

Like a wedding or other life celebration, the cost of funerals can vary based on several factors. These include essential services such as transportation, preparation of the body, and facility use, all of which have associated costs. Additionally, items such as caskets, urns, and memorial services contribute to the overall expense.

At our funeral home, we believe in providing the highest level of care without cutting corners. Every service we offer, from the smallest detail to the most significant arrangements, is designed to ensure the best possible experience for the families in our care. Many services and items are included at no additional cost, and we pride ourselves on transparency, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Our goal is to provide a seamless and meaningful experience that reflects the life and legacy of your loved one.

We understand that making so many decisions during a difficult time can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you navigate these costs and find options that honour your loved one while staying within your budget. Rest assured, we will work with you to create a service that is both meaningful and respectful of your family’s financial considerations.

Ontario regulations require a casket or alternative container for the cremation process to ensure safety and dignity. This container is necessary to protect the integrity of the process and to allow for the respectful handling of your loved one.

Our team is here to guide you through your options, ensuring you meet these requirements while honouring your loved one’s wishes. We offer a wide range of caskets and cremation containers, from simple and affordable options to more elaborate designs, allowing you to choose something that feels right for your family while respecting your budget.

Whether you prefer a minimal cremation container or a casket for use during a viewing or service, we are committed to helping you find the option that best suits your needs.

After the cremation, there are several meaningful and personal options for honouring your loved one’s ashes. Some families choose to keep the ashes at home in an urn or decorative container, creating a comforting presence in their living space. Others may opt to scatter the ashes in a location that held special significance to their loved one, such as a garden, body of water, or meaningful outdoor space. (Be sure to check local regulations if you decide on this option.)

Another choice is to place the ashes in a columbarium or niche at a cemetery or memorial site, providing a permanent and tranquil place for remembrance. Some families prefer to bury the ashes in a cemetery plot or family grave, allowing for a traditional and lasting memorial. Additionally, ashes can be divided among family members using smaller keepsake urns or turned into memorial jewelry, ensuring each person can carry a piece of their loved one with them.

Our team is here to help you explore these options and guide you through the necessary arrangements. We understand how important it is to make a decision that reflects your loved one’s wishes and aligns with your family’s values. Whatever you choose, we will work with you to ensure the process is handled with care and respect.