The following are the Government Directives in place for the safety of everyone. There is quite a bit of information to process, and our Funeral Directors are available for clarification and additional detailed explanation of all protocols in place.
1. Anyone who has been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, has travelled in the last two weeks from anywhere outside of Ontario or is showing cold/flu-like symptoms should be self-isolated and not attend the visitations/services/interments thereby risking exposure to others. With immediate family travelers, there is the option to initially still quarantine, book and take a rapid results COVID-19 test in Ontario, receive a negative test result and provide accompanying documentation to the funeral home.
2. PASSIVE Screening for all visitors to the funeral home.
3. Masks/face coverings are mandatory in the funeral home; it protects the family, other guests, and staff. Please consider not risking your own health further with the exposure to large numbers of people at the funeral home if your health is compromised and you are unable to wear a mask or have personal reasons to not wear a mask; you will not be allowed to enter the funeral home.
4. Unless you live in the same household, six feet /two meters distance must be maintained and please refrain from close personal contact like handshakes, hugging, and kissing. Offer your condolences from a distance. We must be contact free.
5. Please sanitize/wash your hands when entering and leaving the funeral home.
6. Visitations Indoors: HAMILTON & BURLINGTON –
· Open to the public with 50% capacity limits at a time and controlled with an in person counting system.
7. Funeral Home Chapel Funeral Services Indoors : Must be private by family invitation ONLY (date/time of service cannot be published). HAMILTON - Maximum of 60 attendees in the funeral home chapel, with optional second room with additional capacity for 50 attendees. BURLINGTON - Maximum 60 attendees throughout the main floor (three rooms) of the funeral home in {Chapel (30)/Terrace (15)/Parterre (15)}.
8. Church Services Indoors: If allowed by church, we will follow each church’s individual protocols for capacity limits.
9. Cemetery: Two meters of physical distancing, public open gathering outdoors. We will follow each Mausoleum’s protocols. *Bayview Mausoleum 25 attendees.
10. Receptions: Private by family invitation ONLY . HAMILTON & BURLINGTON – Maximum 60 attendees indoors, with optional outdoor patio additional capacity. Family Style catering ONLY.
11.If live streaming , the date and time to log on for the live streaming is permitted to be published and shared publicly. (The location of the service is private).
The following are the Government Directives in place for the safety of everyone. There is quite a bit of information to process, and our Funeral Directors are available for clarification and additional detailed explanation of all protocols in place.
1. Anyone who has been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, has travelled in the last two weeks from anywhere outside of Ontario or is showing cold/flu-like symptoms should be self-isolated and not attend the visitations/services/interments thereby risking exposure to others. With immediate family travelers, there is the option to initially still quarantine, book and take a rapid results COVID-19 test in Ontario, receive a negative test result and provide accompanying documentation to the funeral home.
2. PASSIVE Screening for all visitors to the funeral home.
3. Masks/face coverings are mandatory in the funeral home; it protects the family, other guests, and staff. Please consider not risking your own health further with the exposure to large numbers of people at the funeral home if your health is compromised and you are unable to wear a mask or have personal reasons to not wear a mask; you will not be allowed to enter the funeral home.
4. Unless you live in the same household, six feet /two meters distance must be maintained and please refrain from close personal contact like handshakes, hugging, and kissing. Offer your condolences from a distance. We must be contact free.
5. Please sanitize/wash your hands when entering and leaving the funeral home.
6. Food and/or beverages are not permitted in the funeral home. (No Receptions)
7. Visitations Indoors: HAMILTON & BURLINGTON – contact tracing for all attendees
• Open to the public with 50% capacity limits at a time and controlled with an online Sign Up system, preventing lineups.
8. Funeral Home Chapel Funeral Services Indoors: Must be private by family invitation ONLY (date/time of service cannot be published) and contact tracing for all attendees.
• HAMILTON - Maximum of 60 attendees in the funeral home chapel, with optional second room with additional capacity for 50 attendees.
• BURLINGTON - Maximum 60 attendees throughout the main floor (three rooms) of the funeral home in {Chapel (30)/Terrace (15)/Parterre (15)}.
9. Church Services Indoors: Must be private by family invitation ONLY (date/time of service cannot be published) and contact tracing for all attendees. If allowed by church, we will follow each church’s protocols for 50% capacity limits.
10. Cemetery: Two meters of physical distancing, public open gathering outdoors. We will follow each Mausoleum’s protocols. *Bayview Mausoleum 25 attendees.
11. If live streaming, the date and time to log on for the live streaming is permitted to be published and shared publicly. (If possible, the location of the service is private).
The following are the Government Directives in place for the safety of everyone.
Our Funeral Directors are available for clarification and additional detailed explanation of all protocols in place.
1. Anyone who has been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, has travelled in the last two weeks from anywhere outside of Ontario or is showing cold/flu-like symptoms should be self- isolated and not attend the visitations/services/interments thereby risking exposure to others. With immediate family travelers, there is the option to initially still quarantine, book and take a rapid results COVID-19 test in Ontario, receive a negative test result and provide accompanying documentation to the funeral home.
2. Screening for all employees (active screening) and visitors (passive screening) to the funeral home is mandatory.
3. Masks/face coverings are mandatory in the funeral home; it protects the family, other guests, and staff. Please consider not risking your own health further with the exposure to large numbers of people at the funeral home if your health is compromised and you are unable to wear a mask or have personal reasons to not wear a mask; you will not be allowed to enter the funeral home.
4. Unless you live in the same household, six feet /two meters distance must be maintained and please refrain from close personal contact like handshakes, hugging, and kissing. Offer your condolences from a distance. We must be contact free.
5. Please sanitize/wash your hands when entering and leaving the funeral home.
6. Food and/or beverages are not permitted in the funeral home.
7. Visitations Indoors:
- HAMILTON: Maximum of 25% capacity (50 attendees) of a particular visitation room at the Hamilton location.
- BURLINGTON: Maximum of 25% capacity (50 attendees) throughout the main floor (three rooms) of the facility at the Burlington location.
8. Funeral Home Chapel Funeral Services Indoors:
- HAMILTON: Maximum of 25% capacity (50 attendees) in the funeral home chapel at the Hamilton location.
- BURLINGTON: Maximum of 25% capacity (50 attendees) throughout the main floor (three rooms) of the funeral home in Burlington (Chapel/Terrace/Parterre).
9. Church Services Indoors: (if allowed by church): Maximum of 25% capacity (different for every church) to a maximum of 75 attendees in the entire church. Your funeral director will explain how the funeral service at church will take place if the number of attendees exceeds 75. Under no circumstances will the funeral home staff will be allowed to enter the church when there are more than 75 attendees.
10. Outdoors (Cemetery): Two meters of physical distancing to a maximum of 75 attendees. Maximum 25% capacity for a Mausoleum (different for every mausoleum) *Bayview Mausoleum 35 attendees.
11. All above numbers, when using the term ATTENDEES, include your immediate family members, invited guests, pallbearers, church staff, musicians, and clergy. (Funeral Home & Cemetery Staff are not included in the numbers).
12. Private, by invitation or by appointment ONLY Visitations: The location, date and time will not be published or provided to the public by the funeral home staff. Families to select between online registration for visitation (first come first served method) or looking after their own invitations privately (to control who gets a spot). Funeral Services are by family invitation ONLY.
13. If live streaming, the date and time to log on for the live streaming is permitted to be published and shared publicly.
There is quite a bit of information to process and our Funeral Directors are available for clarification and additional detailed explanation of all protocols in place.
1. Anyone who has been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, has travelled in the last two weeks from anywhere outside of Ontario or is showing cold/flu-like symptoms should be self-isolated and not attend the visitations/services/interments thereby risking exposure to others. With immediate family travelers, there is the option to initially still quarantine, book and take a rapid results COVID-19 test in Ontario, receive a negative test result and provide accompanying documentation to the funeral home.
2. Active Screening for all employees and visitors to the funeral home is mandatory .
3. Masks/face coverings are mandatory in the funeral home; it protects the family, other guests, and staff. Please consider not risking your own health further with the exposure to large numbers of people at the funeral home if your health is compromised and you are unable to wear a mask or have personal reasons to not wear a mask; you will not be allowed to enter the funeral home.
4. Unless you live in the same household, six feet /two meters distance must be maintained and please refrain from close personal contact like handshakes, hugging, and kissing. Offer your condolences from a distance. We must be contact free.
5. Please sanitize/wash your hands when entering and leaving the funeral home.
6. Food and/or beverages are not permitted in the funeral home.
7. Visitations Indoors: Maximum of 15% capacity (25 attendees) of a particular visitation room to a maximum of 50 attendees in the entire facility at the Hamilton location. Maximum of 15% capacity (30 attendees) throughout the main floor (three rooms) of the facility at the Burlington location.
8. Funeral Home Chapel Funeral Services Indoors: Maximum of 15% capacity (30 attendees) in the funeral home chapel at the Hamilton location. Maximum of 15% capacity (30 attendees) throughout the main floor (three rooms) of the funeral home in Burlington (Chapel/Terrace/Parterre).
9. Church Services Indoors: (if allowed by church): Maximum of 15% capacity (different for every church) to a maximum of 50 attendees in the entire church. Your funeral director will explain how the funeral service at church will take place if the number of attendees exceeds 50. Under no circumstances will the funeral home staff will be allowed to enter the church when there are more than 50 attendees.
10. Outdoors (Cemetery): Two meters of physical distancing to a maximum of 30 attendees. Maximum 15% capacity for a Mausoleum (different for every mausoleum) *Bayview Mausoleum 25 attendees.
11. All above numbers, when using the term ATTENDEES, include your immediate family members, invited guests, pallbearers, church staff, musicians, and clergy. (Funeral Home & Cemetery Staff are not included in the numbers).
12. Private, by invitation ONLY Funeral Services & Visitations: The location, date and time will not be published or provided to the public by the funeral home staff. Families to select between online registration for visitation (first come first served method) or looking after their own invitations privately (to control who gets a spot). Funeral Services are by family invitation ONLY.
13. If livestreaming , the date and time to log on for the live streaming is permitted to be published and shared publicly.
As we move into cooler weather, many of us start to think about traveling to countries with warmer climates. Travelling takes a lot of planning and organization, but what happens if a tragedy occurs while you’re away?
Returning a loved one who has died is not something we generally prepare for when going on vacation. However, there are many details that need to be worked out for repatriation of a deceased person, such as acting quickly to return a loved one to Canada, answering multitudes of questions, making funeral or cemetery arrangements, and dealing with documentation form another country. It can all be very overwhelming for someone, but the strain can be alleviated by doing some planning ahead.
The Guaranteed Travel Assurance Plan (GTAP) is an additional feature offered by Bay Gardens. Coupled with a preneed funeral policy, this plan provides peace of mind, knowing that many issues will be taken care of if death occurs while travelling. Whether travelling out of country, or to a different city, the travel plan is designed to facilitate the costs and details of returning a deceased person to their home.
The GTAP provides you with peace of mind when you travel, the coverage includes:
- Travel protection plans for when you travel 100km or more away from home. ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!
- If death should occur while you are travelling out of town or out of the country, returning the deceased back home can be very expensive and complicated. GTAP takes away the stress and handles all the necessary details to ensure the deceased is returned to their home safely.
- GTAP was designed to do more than cover the expenses. GTAP does all the work that would be left to an unprepared and grieving family.
Additionally, the travel plan will cover:
- Travel companion expense to accompany deceased home.
- Expense for one next-of-kin to travel to place of death and accompany deceased home when travelling alone.
- Pays for the cost to bring pets home safely
- Provides bereavement support for surviving family members
If the Guaranteed Travel Assurance Plan sounds like something you’d be interested in or would like more information, contact Lisa Palmer, our pre-planning specialist at (905) 574-0405 with any questions at no obligation to you.
Funerals are hard on your emotions and knowing the proper way to act can be challenging and confusing. Questions such as what to wear, where to sit and how long to stay can seem overpowering, especially if you’re grieving. It is important to remember that as an attendee to a funeral you’re there to offer support to those grieving.
Knowing the guidelines around funerals can help you feel more at ease at the service. Here’s a quick overview of funeral etiquette:
Should I Attend? It is an opportunity for you to remember pay your respects and show your support. If you feel your presence would make the family uncomfortable or if it’s a private event, then do not attend the funeral.
What Do I Wear to a Funeral? Wearing black is not a requirement for all funerals you should pick clothing that is respectful. It’s appropriate to wear clothing you might wear to a job interview.
Where Do I Sit at a Funeral? Typically, the first few rows are saved for family and close friends of the deceased. Seating anywhere after the first few rows, but if coming late sit in the back as not to disturb the service.
What Should I Say at a Funeral? A simple “I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family” is enough to express your sympathies.
When Should I Arrive? It’s good to arrive 10-15 minutes early to visit for a few moments with other guests before the service.
Should I Bring a Gift? A bouquet or sympathy flowers or donation to the charity of the family’s choice are valuable way to express your condolences to the family
Should I Sign the Register Book? Be sure to sign your full name and relationship, family will keep the register book as a memento.
Do I Keep in Touch? A phone call or note after the funeral lets the family know you care. The months after a death are when friends and family need the support.
Should I Bring a Cellphone? Ideally leave your phone in your car. A phone ringing is inappropriate, but if you must bring your phone make sure to have ringer and notifications off.
Should I drink? Do not overindulge. If food and drinks are being served be sure to not over do it. You do not want to disturb the family.
As we spring into May and get into the warmer weather, our
thoughts turn to the special women in our lives.
In May, we honour these incredible women in our life with Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day can bring many emotions to the surface as we spend time with and celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and others.
At Bay Gardens & Bayview Cemetery we change our scarves and ties to the pink breast cancer ribbon. The symbol reminds us that the battle against women’s cancers is ongoing.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society it is estimated in 2017 that over 100,000 women would be diagnosed with cancer and over 38,000 women would die from the disease. Due to funding and research, survival rates have increased to 60% of people diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after the diagnosis. For more information about cancer statistics, visit the Canadian Cancer Society.
May you cherish your time with your loved ones this month, and to those who are bereaved, may positive memories remain an integral part of your lives.
“Mothers are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together” – Susan Gale
This month, Bay Gardens & Bayview Cemetery staff will change
their scarves and ties to bring focus to Autism, which coincides with World
Autism Day on April 2nd.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts brain development causing individuals to experience communication problems, difficulty with social interactions, and a tendency to repeat specific patterns of behavior. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means while all people with ASD will experience difficulties, the degree to which each person on the spectrum experiences these challenges will be different.
There is no standard “type or “typical” person with ASD. Knowing the early signs that lead to early diagnosis can lead to optional outcomes.
ASD crosses all cultural, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic boundaries and can affect adult in many ways.
For more information on resources available visit Autism Canada, Autism Ontarioand Autism Speaks.
