A guide for guests

What to Expect When Visiting Our Annette Location

We understand that visiting a funeral home may feel unfamiliar. Our team will be here to welcome you, help you find your way and answer any questions you may have.

Before you leave

A little preparation can make your arrival easier.

Please check the obituary on our website before travelling for the precise visitation and service times. Any changes, while uncommon, would be posted there.

For a visitationArrive at any point during the published hours and stay for as long or as little as feels comfortable.
For a serviceWe suggest arriving about 15 minutes early to allow time to park, enter and greet the family.
Need assistance?Call us before arriving with any accessibility, parking or cultural questions.
Getting here & parking

Parking lot full? We will help you from there.

On-site and nearby parking
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Complimentary spaces are located directly beside our building. Designated accessible parking spaces are available.

There is no street parking directly on Annette Street. Additional paid parking is available at the Green P lot at 351 Keele Street, between Dundas and Annette. The lot has 77 spaces and is a short walk from our front door.

Complimentary shuttle

Park nearby and let us come to you.

Our shuttle is available for every visitation and service. After dropping off passengers at our front entrance, speak with the parking attendant, or call 416-762-8141 once you have parked nearby and tell us where you are.

When you are ready to leave, simply speak with a member of our team and we will drive you back to your vehicle.

When you arrive

You will not have to find your way alone.

Please enter through the main doors at the front of the building. A member of our staff will be stationed nearby to welcome you and direct you to the appropriate room. If you are unable to navigate the stairs at the front entrance, please ask our staff for assistance using the accessible rear entrance.

1

Come inside

Our team will greet you and let you know where the family is receiving guests.

2

Sign the register

A register book may be available near the room, depending on the family’s wishes.

3

Offer condolences

You may speak with the family and approach the casket, when present, if you feel comfortable doing so.

4

Stay as you wish

During a visitation, there is no expectation that you remain for the full scheduled period.

Available for your comfort: accessible washroom on the main floor, water, a coffee lounge, space for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers, and room to hang coats within the visitation rooms. All visitations and services take place on the main floor. The lower level does not have elevator access.
Clothing & etiquette

Respectful is more important than formal.

Black clothing is not required. Guests generally choose neat, respectful clothing that feels appropriate for the occasion.
Dress for the weather and outdoor conditions if you will be attending a burial.
Please silence your phone before entering the visitation or service room.
Avoid photography unless the family has made it clear that photographs are welcome.
“You are never expected to participate in a prayer or custom that is unfamiliar or uncomfortable for you.”

Funeral traditions vary among families, cultures and faith communities. Our staff will be pleased to quietly explain what is taking place or answer your questions in confidence.

Understanding the gathering

What the different terms usually mean

VisitationAn informal period when guests may offer condolences, spend time with the family and pay their respects.
Prayer serviceA scheduled period of communal prayer, often held during a visitation.
Funeral or memorial serviceA more structured ceremony remembering and honouring the person who has died.
ReceptionA gathering for conversation and refreshments. Details may be shared directly by the family rather than listed publicly.
Flowers, cards & donations

Thoughtful gestures are always personal.

Flowers are generally welcome unless the obituary states otherwise. They may be delivered directly to the funeral home and should arrive at least one hour before the visitation or service whenever possible.

The obituary may name a preferred charity, and the family may also provide donation cards at the funeral home. Sympathy cards and other traditions vary by family and community.

Children are welcome

There is a place for them here, too.

Children are encouraged to attend. Many families find that being included helps children understand what has happened, say goodbye and begin to grieve.

Our Annette Location has an area for children on the lower level. Children should remain supervised by an adult. Please note that the lower level is accessible only by stairs.

“If children are old enough to love, they’re old enough to grieve.”

Travelling in the procession

Follow our team, and follow the law.

Guests who are not travelling in a family limousine generally join the procession in their own vehicles. Our staff will provide a procession flag, map and any additional instructions before departure.

Make sure you have enough fuel before the procession leaves.
Follow staff or police directions and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
The route may be slower or less direct than expected, and may include a brief stop at a family home.

A procession flag does not permit you to proceed through a red light. Unless a police officer is present and directing traffic, obey all traffic signals and laws.

We leave the funeral home in time to arrive at the next location as scheduled. Guests who arrive late may need to travel directly to the church, cemetery or other destination using the map provided.

Questions before you arrive?

Please call us. We are always happy to help with parking, accessibility, customs or anything else that would make your visit easier.