Frequently Asked Questions

• At the time of death what do we have to do?
• Is a casket required for cremation?
• Is embalming necessary by law?
• Exactly what happens at the crematory?
• What do cremated remains that are returned to the family look like?
• How can I be sure that I receive the correct remains?
• If my family knows I want cremation, is that all I need to do in advance?
• What exactly is an urn?
• What is meant by a 'columbarium'?
• Are people welcome to tour your facilities and gardens at any time?
• Why is having a place to visit so important?
• How much does cremation cost?
• Do I need to use a funeral home?
• Why do we have funerals?
• Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?
• Can a function less formal than a funeral or memorial service be arranged?
• Does the price I receive from the funeral home include everything?
• Do clergy always officiate at a funeral service?
• How can I best shop and compare funeral service providers?
• What about caskets? What are my options and what are the prices?
• Do I need a burial vault?
• What happens when someone dies away from home?
• Do I still need a service if I donate my body to medical education or science?
• What do we do when the deceased had requested “no fuss” or “no service”?
• Should a child attend a funeral?
• Did you know?

At the time of death what do we have to do?
At the time of death, please feel welcome to phone us.  We are available to you 24 hours a day.  We can discuss your next steps and the options available to you.  Based upon our conversation with you, we can make suggestions as to what steps you need to take.  Contact Bay Gardens Hamilton, Bay Gardens Burlington, Bayview Cemetery, Crematory & Mausoleum, or if you are outside of our region call our toll-free number at 1-800-563-4045.

Is a casket required for cremation?
No, a casket is not required for cremation.  All that is usually required by most crematoriums is an alternative container constructed of wood or cardboard, which is cremated with the body.

Is embalming necessary by law?
Absolutely not -- and it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

Exactly what happens at the crematory?
The deceased is placed in a combustible box, and then placed in the cremation chamber. After cremation, the remains are placed in the desired container. Family or clergy can choose to receive the cremated remains at the crematory or some other designated place.

What are cremated remains returned in?
Unless otherwise specified by the family the remains are returned in a temporary container. This container is not intended for the permanent disposition of cremated remains.

How can I be sure that I receive the correct remains?
All reputable cremation providers have rigorous operating policies and procedures to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error.   With over 80 years of experience, Bayview Cemetery, Crematory & Mausoleum has a proven tracking system.  If you are interested in the particulars of this system, we would be pleased to share this information with you.  We do allow immediate family members to witness the cremation if so desired.

If my family knows I want cremation, is that all I need to do in advance?
To assure your wishes will be honoured and to prevent your survivors from having to make decisions and arrangements at the time of your death, you can choose to prearrange your cremation. At Bayview, we can also keep the personal information which will be required for your death certificate, so that your survivors will not have to be asked for this information during an emotional time. You may also prepay the expenses of your cremation if it is your wish to do so.

What exactly is an urn?
An urn is similar to a vase but it is covered and often sealed.  An urn provides a permanent receptacle for the remains before they are committed to a final resting place.  An urn can be constructed from any material.  An average urn has a capacity of about 200 cubic inches; however, it is important to discuss the sizing of the urn with your Bayview family counsellor to ensure that you have selected the right size.  For more information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urn.

What is a 'columbarium'?
A columbarium is an above-ground structure in a cemetery where an urn is placed in a niche.  For more information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbarium.

Are people welcome to tour your facilities and gardens at any time?
Yes! Please phone or email us to discuss the best time for a tour.  School groups are welcome, but should be scheduled to avoid distraction to our client families.   Bayview is truly one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Canada.  We encourage you to visit our gardens overlooking the Burlington Bay.

Why is having a place to visit so important?
Having a place to visit provides a focal point for one’s memories.  From a bereavement perspective, a focal point allows a specific time and place for our emotions to process.  Throughout history, human beings have honoured our dead and having a place to do so is a common human practice that allows us to deal with memory, loss and grief.

How much does cremation cost?
One reason that cremation has become so popular is the fact that it is an inexpensive option. Cremation costs $445.00, taxes not included. This means that cremation is an affordable choice that provides many memorial options.   If you have questions or concerns about cremation and/or the costs involved in preparing your final wishes, please contact a Bayview family counsellor by phone, email, or in person.   Funeral Homes are obliged to give you the name of the best priced cremation provider in your immediate area.

Do I need to use a funeral home?
In the province of Ontario, you require a Funeral Home or Transfer Service to remove the decedent and to do the necessary paperwork. However, transfer services are limited in terms of what they can offer, while Funeral Homes offer extra support should you chose to have visitation or a memorial or funeral service.   If you would like further information on local Transfer Services or Funeral Homes please call us at 905-522-5466 or toll free at 1-800-563-4045.

Why do we have funerals?
The funeral service is a tradition that has developed over time to serve the needs not only of the deceased but of the family as well.  Many religions require that those left behind provide the deceased with the proper goodbye.  Some believe that through ritual the soul is assisted in returning ”home”.

However, this is not the only one reason that we have funeral services.  The tradition survives and remains crucial for the family and friends who have experienced a loss.  We have a need for ritual to help us process this new reality and our new ensuing identity (that is, who are we without this person).  Bearing witness to an event such as the loss of a loved one is important in several ways.

One reason people feel the need to bear witness is out of respect for the deceased.  Even in the case of a person with no family or friends, the funeral directors and cemetery workers will come together to pay last respects to the deceased. There is something in us that says basic human dignity includes having someone—anyone—note that you had been, that you existed and do not anymore.

Another way that people bear witness when the loss of a loved one occurs is through public support of family and friends.  The funeral or memorial service brings together people from a multitude of areas in a person’s life.  From close family to relatives you haven’t seen in ages and from co-workers to people that worked with you a decade ago—the need to come out and pay last respects exists within us as a part of the mourning process.

The funeral service is one of the only acceptable public arenas to show grief in our society.  That the funeral takes place over several days is not a coincidence.  This tradition is the culmination of many, many years of human loss.  The visitation and the funeral service, along with a post-service reception, is where the telling of stories and shared memories facilitate the understanding that the person is really gone.  This is where the family can look around the visitation room or a chapel and know that ”this person was loved.”   The family knows they are not alone.  Their world has changed, but they are not alone in the experience and will be supported by this community of people in the coming months or years.

Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?
A funeral or memorial service can be held almost anywhere you like.  Cremation allows for more choices in the way you celebrate the life of the deceased. There are, however, a few things to think about.  The funeral or memorial service will require the assistance of a funeral professional, whether for transportation, cremation, or other related duties.

Finding a funeral and cemetery provider that you like and trust is best done under non-stressful circumstances—i.e., before a death in the family.  Many people do not realize the plethora of details that need to be attended to; from legal work to obituary writing to organizing all the details, there are over 87 things to do when a person dies.

At Bay Gardens Funeral Home we are able to assist with funeral services relieving the burden from you and your family.  From flowers, to grave markers and from sandwiches or hot meals for the reception to chapel services we are able to create the perfect service for your loved one.  This allows us to pass on substantial savings to your family.

Much like anything else you purchase, if you do a part here and another service or product from different providers—expenses soon start to add up.  One benefit of using the services of a company like ours is that we are in the unique position to handle all of your needs allowing us to pass those savings directly on to you.

Can a function less formal than a funeral or memorial service be arranged?
Yes. Our goal is to meet the needs of you and your family.  Whatever you envision can be arranged.  These are new and different times we live in and if you require your service to be “no service” but a big reception party instead, that is not a problem.  We have large catering kitchens and banquet halls that can seat at least 200, with parking to match.

Confer with one of our funeral directors today if you are unsure about your idea.  Remember, our goal is to meet your needs and we are committed to doing so.

Does the price I receive from the funeral home include everything?
Being the only funeral provider in the region with a sister affiliate (Bayview Cemetery, Crematory & Mausoleum) we can say with certainty that “yes”: your price includes everything.  If you receive a quote for two crypts and a funeral elsewhere, check the pricing—does that includes maintenance in perpetuity?  Are your vigil lights included or do you have to pay again in 5 years?  Is your funeral included in that price?

Check your pricing from other providers.  How large are their service fees and are their premises and service worth it?  Can they offer you funeral and cemetery fees for one price (this is not required, but we believe it helpful to both the family and the pocketbook when you can take care of all your needs in one place).

At Bay Gardens Funeral Home when you pay $15,000.00 for two crypts and a funeral there is NO other pricing to consider.  Included would be:  funeral staff, funeral services, the funeral facility, the casket, register book, thank you cards, crypt space, open and close fee, maintenance fee, engraving, etc.

This also includes your aftercare.  At Bay Gardens, our families tell us how important this service is to them.  From CPP forms to other legal and bureaucratic needs, we are here to help you.  Under the umbrella of our Bay Care program, you are also eligible for free bereavement help.  Bay Gardens has a comprehensive set of bereavement groups for you to use that are free to the community.

Do clergy always officiate at a funeral service?
Usually the family requests either their own clergy or a clergy referral from the funeral home.  The clergy will meet with your family to learn more about your loved one so they can create a personalized meaningful service.

There are also people who specialize in ”officiating” at the funeral service.  They are not ministers but trained professionals who are able to officiate the funeral or memorial service.

In conjunction with, or sometimes in place of a clergy person, family or friends may share personal thoughts, memories and feelings about the deceased as part of the service.

How can I best shop and compare funeral service providers?
We have created a checklist that we believe highlights the concerns you would have regarding funeral homes and funeral service providers.  Feel free to download this to use as a resource.

You may also want to talk with friends who have used the funeral home and it is not unusual for people to walk into a funeral home (or call) to request pricing.  Further, if you drop by the funeral home unannounced you can experience for yourself how you are treated.

What about caskets? What are my options and what are the prices?
The materials they are made from set the price for caskets. Obviously a mahogany casket will be more expensive then a simple pine casket.  Likewise, an interior of velvet will be more expensive than a crepe interior.

Each casket presents different options and price-points.  At Bay Gardens we provide a variety of casket and price options.  It is up to the family to decide which meets their needs.   Prices vary widely from several hundred dollars to several thousand.

While it is legal to make your own casket, there may be some practical drawbacks such as storage.  We would advise you speak to a funeral director to inquire about size and other specifications you need to consider.

Caskets are able to be personalize to quite a high degree.  From the casket you chose to the interior, to the insert (a piece that can be inserted into the inner top lining of the casket with a message, symbol or picture), to the keepsake drawers that caskets are sometimes equipped with.

Do I need a burial vault?
Though provincial law doesn’t always require a burial vault, many cemeteries do.  The burial vault ensures the ground doesn’t sink, allowing for uniformity within the cemetery.

What happens when someone dies away from home?
Most funeral providers offer prepaying for your funeral, and sometimes included with that is travel insurance that covers not only you but your decedents when traveling.  This way when someone dies away from home you are covered for one family member to travel and accompany the deceased home as well as all funeral costs preplanned by the individual.

If you do not have preplanned arrangements at the time of death then a call to your funeral home of choice is needed to make the necessary arrangements to transfer the deceased.

Do I still need a service if I donate my body to medical education or science?
Bayview Cemetery has a long relationship with McMaster Universities “body bequeathal program”. McMaster owns several crypts and memorial options through Bayview Cemetery.  Included in the body bequeathal program is a yearly memorial service at McMaster University, and any memorial services of Bayview and Bay Gardens Funeral Home. (We have several popular memorial services that take place throughout the year).

If you would like anything further to that such as visitation or a funeral, memorial or reception service then you would need to confer with a funeral home to organize these services.

What do we do when the deceased had requested “no fuss” or “no service”?
This can be a difficult subject but it is important to point out that most people who say this think they are doing the family a favour.  What they haven’t realized is that people often feel a need for tradition and ritual when they lose a loved one.  It is no charge to call and consult with a funeral director to find a solution that makes you feel your needs are being met while respecting the wishes of your loved one.  There are many options.

Should a child attend a funeral?
Children experience grief when someone dies.  It is important that they are a part of the experience along with the rest of the family, but it should be explained to them in an age appropriate way.

Some people have a hard time admitting to a child that someone close to them has died, but children need to be told.  They are aware that something significant has occurred and not being honest with them carries the risk of interfering with their grieving process.  A child’s grief process can only be as healthy as that of the caregivers around them.

Children need to feel that their thoughts, beliefs, and wishes are being heard. Allow them to be a part of the arrangement process—explain what will be happening in an age appropriate way.  Perhaps the child has a card, letter or special photo they want included in the service.

Most important is to allow for participation but do not force it.  Children display grief in many different ways and they may be moody or withdrawn or even be acting in an overly cheerful manner. Children also work through their grief through play.

At Bay Gardens we have several quiet rooms available with toy trunks and plasma screens for watching movies.  Because a child attends a service does not mean they should be forced to participate to the same level as the rest of the mourners.  If they need a break, take them for a walk or into the quiet room to play or watch a movie.

Bay Gardens funeral home carries a special plush toy for grieving children.  It is not unusual to see children attending a funeral running around naming, playing, or resting with their special plush toy.

Did You Know?
Did you know that Bayview offers 0% financing with 4 years no interest on payments for crypts?
This means that you can make payments depending on your budget (that is, monthly or annually). These payments are interest free for four years.  No other local Mausoleum offers this payment option.

Did you know that Bayview is blessed?
We know that faith is an integral part of many people’s lives. The Markey family has been serving the Catholic faith for decades in this region. We are equally committed to meeting the needs of everyone in our diverse community.

Did you know that perpetual lighting at Bayview is taken care of for all time? 
Other mausoleums consider "perpetual" to mean 5 years, at which point you must pay extra fees to maintain your vigil light on your crypt. Renewal fees will then follow every five years.  Your property at Bayview includes no charge perpetual lighting for your vigil light--forever.

Did you know that you have free use of the chapel at Bayview?
Bayview believes in commemorating the first year anniversary of your loved one by allowing you complimentary use of our beautiful and historical Chapel.  Speak with your Bayview family counsellor today to arrange for your needs.

Did you know that you are able to customize your memorial plaques?
Creating a memorial plaque to your own specifications is an important step in creating a history dedicated to your loved one.  No two plaques at Bayview Cemetery are the same; they are as unique as the individual you are memorializing.  Your Bayview counsellor can help you create this plaque.

Did you know that we encourage you to place flowers next to your loved one?
Most mausoleums do not allow fresh flowers.  Once the committal service is over, the flowers are removed.  Bayview’s policy on this falls in line with most other Mausoleums.  However, because we are a private family owned Mausoleum, we give a higher, more personal level of attention to our property.  We encourage you to place flowers next to your loved one.  In fact, for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and during our memorial service in November, we hand out free flowers to be placed with your loved one.  When the flowers become unsightly we remove them.  This ensures a peaceful, clean atmosphere for everyone to reflect in.

Did you know that Bayview holds annual Masses & Services?
In November, Bayview Cemetery has an annual All Souls Mass in the Upper Chapel.  You and your family are invited to participate in this mass and to join us for refreshments afterwards on the upper level of the new phase of Bayview Mausoleum.  We also provide free roses for you to place with their loved ones. This is a well attended event, so we suggest arriving a little early.  If you are not on our “events mailing list” but would like to be, please fill in the form here or contact Sylvia Alvarez at 905-522-5466.

For those of non-denomination, we encourage you to come to our Memorial Service (also in November).   This event is also very well attended that we encourage you to arrive a little early.  If you are not on our “events mailing list” but would like to be, please fill in the form here or contact Karen at 905-522-5466.

Did you know that we hold an annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony that you are invited to?
The holidays are the hardest time for many people who have lost their loved ones.  Knowing this, Bayview has an annual Christmas tree lighting in the lower level of the Mausoleum.  We put up a beautiful illuminated 9’ tree and families bring a special decoration to place on the tree in memory of their loved one.  We all enjoy music and seasonal refreshments while trimming the tree. If you would like to be on our mailing list for this event please call Karen at 905-522-5466.

Did you know that Bayview holds a summer memorial service & concert?
Simply put, this event is a favourite with families and staff members alike.   If you are not on our “events mailing list” but would like to be, please fill in the form here or contact Karen at 905-522-5466.

Did you know that Bayview offers free access to Bereavement Counselling?
Understanding and dealing with grief can be lonely.  At Bayview we offer you access to a bereavement counsellor free of charge.  Ask your Bayview family counsellor about bereavement counselling and bereavement groups. See our resource section for more information on grief and bereavement.

Did you know that Bayview offers private family crypt rooms?
Our unique private crypt rooms offer you and your loved ones a “One of a kind” crypt burial.  We offer a majestic ten person crypt room and a beautiful five person crypt room.  Because Bayview Mausoleum was built in the previous century and reflects the traditions of its time, modern mausoleums no longer offer these kinds of beautiful private crypt rooms. View our “mausoleum” gallery to see images of our private family crypt rooms.