Frequently Asked Questions
Are You A Funeral Home?
No. There are two types of funeral establishments governed and licensed by the Ontario Board of Funeral Services, full-service funeral homes and transfer services. We are in fact a transfer service.
Do You Do Everything A Funeral Home Does?
We do everything a full service funeral home does EXCEPT embalming and visitation, as well, we are unable to attend a funeral service, memorial service or Celebration of Life where the public will be present. The reason we can fulfill our purpose in keeping the cost down is because our overhead is different than that of a full service funeral home. We drive Ford not Cadillac and our office is comfortable but functional for the purpose of meeting with families. We do not have memorial services in our facilities but we can assist and advise families of a location that is cost effective and functional for their individual needs.
We keep things simple to ease the stress and pressure on the family. We are very thorough with the paperwork we provide for preliminary estate care so that our services do not end without some direction for families. We specialize in providing the services that are required, not all the frills. This ensures that the outstanding care that families receive from us would never be dependent on how much money they spend with us.
Do I Need To Involve A Funeral Home If I Use Your Services?
No, all of the details and documentation required for cremation or burial to take place are taken care of through our establishment. We are able to guide you if you require additional services that we cannot provide, for example, visitation and embalming before cremation and burial that may involve a full service Funeral Home.
Do You Pick Up The Body From Place Of Death [Home or Local Hospital] And Transfer It To Your Premises And/Or Crematorium?
Yes. We go to place of death whether it is a hospital, home or nursing care centre, wherever it may be. We have a holding facility that we have on record with the Board of Funeral Services for any delay that should arise with the Crematorium. This is a full service funeral home in the area and is for compliancy with the strict time lines we are required to follow.
Do You Deliver The Ashes To The Family?
When we receive the cremated remains back from the Crematorium, we arrange with the family a time they can meet us at our office. In the case in which the Executor or Representative of the deceased does not drive, arrangements can be made to go to their home.
What Are Your Extra Mileage Charges When Picking Up A Body?
Additional mileage fees will be charged to locations outside of 50kms from Barrie. Our rate is $2.00/km.
Can Pre-Arrangements Be Made? Can I Prepay For Those Arrangements?
Yes. Please review the Our Services section of this website for additional information. If you would like to speak with someone to make pre-arrangements, please call us at 705.739.0139 or visit the Contact Us section of this site to send us an e-mail.
Are Your Prepaid Arrangements Similar To Those Offered By Funeral Homes?
Yes, they are the same. The only difference is our lower cost.
If I Prepay My Arrangements, Are The Services Guaranteed Regardless Of Cost Increases?
Yes, our costs and services are guaranteed when the arrangements have been paid in full. The charges will be calculated using the price list in effect at the time of the death, the growth on the principal investment is applied to the cost of delivering services and then any surplus in the funds would be refunded to the estate.
Are The Funds For Prepayment Held By You Or An Insurance Company?
It is against protocol for a funeral establishment to hold prearrangement funds in their own care. For consumer protection, they must be placed into a trust account or an insurance policy. The decision as to where the funds are placed safely very much depends on individual clients and their own personal situation.
What Happens If I Change Our Minds About My Plans? Are The Funds Returned?
After signing a contract with us, there is a 60-day cooling off period in which you can change your mind. If this question were proposed during the pre-arrangement meeting, we would recommend putting the funds in trust rather than insurance. This will ensure the family can easily reclaim their full principle payment along with interest earned. If your pre-arrangement plans were certain and weren’t thinking about changing your mind, depending on their age, we would recommend placing the funds into an insurance policy or annuity plan.
If I Move Out Of The Area, Do You Have Affiliates To Whom The Prepaid Arrangements Can Be Transferred?
Unfortunately at this time, we do not have any affiliate offices. We are currently a single entity corporation but do provide our services in many areas outside of Barrie. We do, however, have contacts in many cities so that we can comfortably refer families to an establishment that will provide good care. Any prepaid arrangement funds can be transferred to another establishment through written letter to the trust or insurance company.
I Have A Question That Is Not Answered Here. How Can I Contact You For More Information?
Please call us at 705.739.0139 or visit the Contact Us section of this site to send us an e-mail.