Question 1

What sets you apart from traditional funeral homes?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to provide a less stressful, more affordable way of providing end-of-life services, while still providing as many or as few services as each family needs. All discussions and transactions are done in your home, at your convenience, while still receiving the highest level of professional service, guidance, and compassion during one of life’s most difficult times.

Question 2

Do you have to come to my home for the arrangements?

Accepted Answer

No, we provide in-home arrangements to help make this time as simple as possible. If you wish to meet at another family member's home, a neighbor’s home, your church, or the funeral home office to make arrangements, we will accommodate the location that is best for you.

Question 3

Can I have a Memorial or Celebration of Life service with your Funeral Home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. While we cannot accommodate these services in-house, we will coordinate and arrange with churches, community centres, Legion halls, and other publicly available spaces to hold these services. Quite often, one of these venues offers a personal connection as well as being able to provide a more appropriate setting for Memorial and Celebration of Life Services.

Question 4

Your business says cremations. Do you provide traditional services as well?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not provide traditional casket services at this time. If you would like to contact us, we can provide you with several options for traditional services.

Question 5

Can I have a private period of time prior to cremation with the deceased?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that opportunity is available to anyone who wishes. This viewing is only for immediate family. It is not a public viewing. Each family’s needs are unique and can be discussed at the time.

Question 6

Can I have a visitation prior to a service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will coordinate with the facility holding the service (if any). Some families prefer to have a memorial visitation to give people the opportunity to share memories and support each other during this time.

Question 7

Do you provide all documentation/paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide the executor/next of kin with the Funeral Director's Proof of Death Certificates, complete and submit all CPP/OAS and Survivor Benefit applications, as well as assist in notifying any other governments and organizations as each family needs.

Question 8

Do I need to buy an urn?

Accepted Answer

No. We do offer a wide selection of urns at various costs. However, you may supply your own or simply receive the urn in the temporary container supplied after the cremation process.

Question 9

What do your costs include?

Accepted Answer

We strive to make our fees as open and straightforward as possible. The service fees listed on the website are limited to the specified services. Any disbursements such as obituary costs, facility rentals, flowers, honorariums, etc., are charged outside the service fee. Any additional fees are clearly explained and discussed at the time of arrangements.

Question 10

Can I have a simple graveside service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, graveside services are a fitting way to gather and show respect, as well as provide an opportunity to support each other and the family as a whole. It also provides an opportunity for friends to offer their support.

Question 11

Can I pre-pay for a funeral?

Accepted Answer

While we are going through the process of meeting the legal requirements, we're not currently accepting pre-payments, but we can certainly discuss your wishes and provide a quote. Once we're able to accept pre-payments, likely Spring 2025, we'll honor the quoted price.

Question 12

I do not wish to pre-pay for my funeral but would like to have my end-of-life wishes documented so my family does not have to do so at the time. Is this an option?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I would sit down with you, and we would have a conversation about what that looks like for you. I would also gather all the pertinent information that would be needed at the time, such as family history and some legal questions. This information is kept in confidence on file until it is needed. At the time of passing, everything is reviewed with your Executor/Next of Kin.

Question 13

Do you offer environmentally friendly or green options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are many biodegradable urns suitable for scattering either on land or at sea, as well as burial options. We do not use any embalming chemicals in any of our services. Some people have heard and asked about aquamation, a process using water and potassium hydroxide as a green alternative to traditional cremation processes. Unfortunately, this is not available in Nova Scotia. We are always looking for new innovative solutions and products.

Cremation Pre Planning

Consider these benefits of preplanning:

Get Started On Your Journey

Meet Michael Smith, Your Pre-Planning Specialist

How to Get Started