Traditional Burial FAQ

A percentage of the cost of the lot goes into an irrevocable trust fund, as noted on the price list as C&M Fund (Care and Maintenance Fund). The principle amount is never used, however the interest from this fund is used exclusively to maintain the Cemetery.

When a grave needs to be purchased at the time of death, the cemetery collects the cost of the grave and the opening fees from the family prior to the graveside service.

Otherwise, the funeral home pays the opening at the graveside service, and is added to the bill for the funeral. Some funeral directors may ask the executor for a cheque from the estate, payable to the cemetery, to be given to the cemetery at the graveside service.

Although a cement grave liner is not mandatory, it is recommended because it does prevent lateral movement when an adjoining grave is opened. The Lakefield Cemetery does not sell or provide cement liners, but are available through any funeral director. If a liner is not used, the Cemetery charges extra to cover the cost of providing the grave-side setup.

Although metal caskets are stronger then wood, both collapse under the pressure exerted by the weight of the earth on top.

The body must be enclosed in an acceptable rigid container. This container, or casket, must be strong enough to assure the health and safety of those who must come in contact with it. The casket should meet minimum requirements for proper respect and consideration, and should be composed of a suitable material which is environmentally safe.

Generally, if there is no viewing (closed casket) embalming is not necessary.

However, embalming is necessary for viewing if an open casket is part of the funeral service. Also the factors of time, repatriating the deceased in the case of death occurring out of country, health, and religious beliefs might make embalming either appropriate or necessary.

Authorization must  first be obtained from the Interment Rights Holder. The burial permit issued by the Division Registrar, indicating that the death has been registered, as well as the fee for the opening of the lot must be deposited with the Cemetery Office before the burial can take place.

Pursuant to the laws of Ontario, a Funeral Director or Transfer Service Operator is not legally necessary, however an immediate family member would then have to obtain the necessary permits, place the deceased in a suitable container for burial and transport the deceased to the cemetery. We recommend the use of a funeral director because most of us have never planned a funeral before and have no idea what is legally required. Therefore we need the help of these licensed professionals who are experienced in all the necessary procedures and paperwork.

A Transfer Service Operator is licensed only to remove the deceased from the place of death to the crematorium (or place of final disposition) and obtain the required legal documents. The funeral would need to be arranged and conducted by the family without the guidance of a funeral director. This is referred to as Direct Disposition.

Funerals are usually arranged and conducted by licensed and trained funeral directors who coordinate all the technical arrangements of a funeral and provide guidance that includes applying for all the death benefits to which you are entitled. Although a funeral director can provide direct disposition, he is also licensed to prepare the body for viewing (if desired) and for arranging the final disposition, providing facilities for the visitation and funeral service, and transporting the deceased and the mourners to the place of final disposition.