Dignified Cremation Services in Hamilton

In the midst of grief and loss, the last thing any family needs is to navigate a maze of confusing funeral costs and hidden fees. The process of arranging a loved one’s final wishes should be as straightforward and transparent as possible. At Sensible Choice Cremation, we have a deep understanding of this need. We have guided countless families, and a question we often hear is, "What exactly is included in your package?" It’s a valid and important question, and we believe the answer should be clear and reassuring. Our goal is to provide a simple, dignified, and affordable solution that offers complete peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: honouring a life well-lived.

The core of any cremation arrangement is the set of non-declinable services required to facilitate the disposition of a deceased person, whether by cremation or burial. Our Minimum Services charge is the foundational element that is applicable to every family we serve. This includes the initial transfer of the deceased from the place of passing—be it a hospital, hospice, or private residence—to our holding room. We handle this critical step with the utmost care and respect, ensuring the deceased is securely held until all necessary documentation is completed. The service also covers the final transfer of the deceased in a service van or coach to the crematorium once all legal requirements are met.

Our experience has shown us that families are most concerned about unexpected costs. The Minimum Services charge provides a clear framework, but it is important to understand what it does not include. It does not cover supplies such as a casket or urn, nor does it include additional services like pacemaker removal or optional fees for things like extra mileage. The Minimum Services fee is also separate from disbursements, which are third-party fees paid on your behalf. These distinctions are crucial for full price transparency.

Transparency is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We want families to see exactly what they are paying for, which is why we provide a detailed, itemized breakdown of our services. Our list of services includes professional and staff services at $200, which covers the coordination, arrangements, and guidance provided by our licensed funeral directors. The documentation fee of $50 ensures the proper completion of all legal forms and permits, a vital part of the process.

The package also includes minimum preparation of remains for safe handling ($100) and the use of our facilities for preparation and refrigerated shelter ($100). The initial transfer of remains from the hospital is priced at $200, while the final transfer to the crematorium is also $200. A fee of $50 for the administration vehicle covers the necessary errands and document delivery that facilitate the arrangement process. All of these itemized charges total $900.

Our most popular and complete offering is the Sensible Choice Cremation Package, which provides a simple, all-inclusive price of $1,525.00. This package is designed to be the one and only price you need to consider, bundling all necessary services, merchandise, and third-party disbursements into a single, straightforward fee. This is a particularly comforting option for families in Hamilton who are navigating their grief and want to avoid the complexities of a traditional arrangement.

The Sensible Choice Cremation Package includes the full range of our professional services, which total $900 as itemized above. In addition to these services, the package also includes the cremation fee at North Toronto Crematorium, which is valued at $695. A basic but dignified cremation container—the Victoriaville Cardboard Cremation Container—is also included, along with a temporary cardboard container for the cremated remains. This ensures that all essential items are covered from the outset, eliminating the need for a separate purchase. The total itemized cost for these services and merchandise comes to $1,595.

A key part of the all-inclusive package is the seamless inclusion of disbursements. Disbursements are fees that we pay to third parties on your behalf, so you don’t have to. These fees are not part of our professional service charges; they are outside costs that are necessary for the cremation process. The Sensible Choice Cremation Package covers the three main disbursements required: the Coroner's Cremation Certificate fee of $75, the Municipal Death Registration Fee of $45, and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) Consumer Protection Fee of $30. The total for these disbursements is $150, which is covered in the package price.

The package also includes all applicable taxes (HST). By combining the taxable amount of $1845.00 with the HST of $239.85, the subtotal comes to $2084.85. A discount of $559.85 is then applied, bringing the final, all-inclusive price to $1,525.00. This transparent breakdown ensures that there are truly no hidden fees or surprises.

While the Sensible Choice Cremation Package is comprehensive, we understand that families may require additional support or services. Optional fees for a wide variety of services are available, such as after-hours transfers for a fee of $400 or pacemaker removal for $50. We can also assist with the delivery of cremated remains for a fee of $50, or provide staff for a graveside service for cremated remains for $250. For those who wish to have a witnessed cremation, staff can be arranged for $400, and the crematorium offers its own optional services, such as a 30-minute witnessing in their chapel for $295. It is important to remember that these are optional add-ons, and they are not included in the standard Sensible Choice Cremation Package.

Families in Hamilton can find additional information about these options and more, and can begin the arrangement process online with ease. The simplicity of our process is by design, providing comfort and clarity during a profoundly emotional time. The option to handle documentation digitally and access all-inclusive pricing offers a modern, stress-free alternative to traditional arrangements.

Ultimately, the Sensible Choice Cremation Package is more than just a list of services and fees. It is a commitment to providing a simple, dignified, and supportive experience. Our entire approach is built on the understanding that grieving families need a helping hand, not a complex sales process. Our services are designed to remove logistical burdens and financial uncertainty, allowing you to focus on saying goodbye to your loved one with peace and dignity. Navigating this journey is never easy, but you don't have to do it alone. If you have questions or simply need guidance, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our simple, dignified, and affordable cremation services in Hamilton.