Check out the resources below from Kitchener Cemeteries and community organizations.

End-of-life planning 101

Whether you’re proactively making end-of-life arrangements for yourself or planning for a loved one who has passed, Kitchener Cemeteries is here to guide you through the process.

Planning for yourself

A common question we answer is when should I start making end-of-life arrangements? The answer is, being proactive and stating your wishes in the event that death occurs is best to specify early in adulthood.

Things to consider:

  • Preferred location
  • Preferred resting place
    • Traditional casket
    • Cremation and urn
    • Scattering of cremated remains

Benefits of pre-planning include:

  • Planning ahead lets you make your own decisions;
  • Saves your family from making unexpected decisions at a difficult time;
  • And when you prepay you are also protected from inflation.

With those wishes in mind, we encourage you to take our ideal interment option quiz or book an appointment with us. One of our consultants will walk you through the process of planning your arrangements.

Where do I begin planning a burial, cremation or other after death service?

If you are aware of your loved ones end-of-life arrangements, then the first step would be to contact the funeral home or funeral service operator to begin implementing the plan.

Kitchener Cemeteries and Dedication Centre is not a licensed funeral home. We offer cremation and burial services, as well as having a venue at our Williamsburg Cemetery location available for rent.
See our guide for more information on end of life planning.

I’m the executor, what are my responsibilities? 

Visit the Ontario Estate Law website to learn about your responsibilities. 

Canadian end-of-life resources

Canadian Funeral Resources 

Government of Canada- Funeral Information

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO)

The BAO was established as a delegated administrative authority (DAA) on January 16, 2016 under the Safety and Consumer Statutes Administration Act, 1996. It is a not-for-profit corporation, responsible for administering provisions of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 and associated regulations on behalf of the Ontario government. For more information, visit the Bereavement Authority of Ontario website.

Looking for more consumer information? Download this free copy of the Consumer Information Guide.

Waterloo Region Record Obituaries

Find a listing of obituaries and memorials in Waterloo Region. 

Canada GenWeb Cemetery Project

Canada GenWeb Cemetery Project is an online resource created by volunteers that offers a searchable listing of over 18,000 known Canadian cemeteries.

War Veterans Information

Last Post Fund is for families who are interested in applying for funding towards the funeral and burial arrangements of a war veteran.

Canada Pension Survivor Benefits

Canada Pension Plan survivor benefits are paid to a deceased contributor's estate, surviving spouse or common-law partner and dependent children.

Local grief and coping resources

Bereaved Families of Ontario (BFO) - Southwest

Bereaved Families of Ontario is a non profit organization which provides support services to hundreds of families throughout mid-western Ontario who have experienced the death of a child or children.

The Coping Centre

The Coping Centre provides articles to assist with grief and coping including articles by Dr. Wolfelt.

Aids Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo & Area (ACCKWA)

Aids Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo & Area offers emotional support for persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Carizon Family and Community Services
Carizon Family and Community Services provides individual, couple, family and group counselling. Fees for services are determined on a sliding scale. 

Hospice of Waterloo Region

Hospice of Waterloo Region provides a bereavement walking group, one on one bereavement support and children/teen support.

Kidslink Early Intervention Services

Kidslink Early Intervention Services provides resources on death and dying for children and adults.

K-W Counselling Services

K-W Counselling Services provides Individual and family counselling and parenting groups. Fees for services are determined on a sliding scale.

New Beginnings - Rockway Centre

New Beginnings - Rockway Centre provides bereavement support for adults 50+ by trained volunteers who have grieved.

Drug Rehab.com

Drug Rehab.com provides a guide for substance abuse and suicide.
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