Helpful Information and FAQ's

As per the Ontario Cemeteries Act, an Interment Rights Holder is a person with interment rights with respect to a lot, niche or burial site and includes the purchaser of interment rights. The Interment Rights Holder is the person or persons who are recorded on Cataraqui Cemetery's official Certificate of Interment Rights bearing the corporate seal. An Interment Rights Holders is the only person that may authorize the right to inter within the designated site. Interment Rights are only acquired from The Cataraqui Cemetery by purchase or transfer. No other person may issue, sell, gift or bequeath interment rights without providing written notice to the Cemetery. The Cemetery will in turn provide written consent acknowledging acceptance. An Interment Rights holder only purchases the right to inter... never the site itself. The Cemetery retains ownership of the site and sets the rules, regulations and by-laws regarding the use of the site.

2. There has been a death; what do I do now?

We realize that this will be or is a difficult time for you and your family. Our role is to support the person taking on the responsibility of making all the cemetery arrangements. It is always best that families contact us as soon as possible so that one of our professional and trained Family Services Representatives may prepare the necessary cemetery arrangements. If you or the deceased are the Interment Rights Holder of record, you are required to to authorize the interment and verify the proper interment location. If you or the deceased are not the Interment Rights Holder of record as per the Ontario Cemeteries Act of the intended interment location or have yet to purchase interment rights, it is very important that we meet as soon as possible so that we may assist your family with resolving any issues. If a date or time for a funeral has been set without contacting us, please understand that the date and time is subject to available scheduling on a first come first serve basis. Funeral homes will require our approval before they can finalize the cemetery service date and time. Cataraqui Cemetery, like most others cemeteries, requires advance notice so that we may verify and prepare the burial site for interment.

3. Can anyone other than the Interment Rights Holder of record authorize an interment or lot activity?

Only the Interment Rights Holder of record may authorize an interment, memorialization or lot activity. The only exception is if the request for interment is for the Interment Rights Holder of record. Just as someone does not have the right to assume anyone else’s home or vehicle without a legal transfer of ownership; cemetery interment rights are an asset to the estate of the Interment Rights Holder of record. Only they may direct what happens to the assets of their estate. The Ontario Cemeteries Act is the legislation that you and the Cemetery are required to satisfy. It is always best to discuss these issues with us and learn from our experiences before they become a potential problem for you and your family. Please contact us or refer to the Cemetery's By-Laws if there are additional questions or concerns.

4. What fees are paid to The Cataraqui Cemetery before an interment can take place?

To begin with, the interment location must be free of any balance owing. Including any arrears in Care & Maintenance for some of our pre-1930's purchases. Next is the interment fee. This fee is for our services which include; verifying the site and confirming the interment rights; scheduling the interment; preparing the site and surrounding area for interment; providing the dressing and a lowering device if necessary; coordinating with family members or funeral director(s); coordinating internal staff and equipment; closing the site; reinstating the surrounding area; follow up care to the site until it has returned to its original state; the services provided by our representatives, administrators and maintenance staff as well as the required filing and keeping of all records. An overtime fee may be applied for interments scheduled outside our regular Monday through Friday interment hours. Our Family Services Representatives are available to answer all questions and guide families. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

5. Can interment rights be transferred?

It is common for interment rights to be transferred from the original owner to an new owner. However, it requires a great deal of legal maneuvering on the part of the person requesting the transfer if the recorded Interment Rights Holder has not initiated or specifically named them as the transferee. Ideally, The Cataraqui Cemetery is presented with a signed letter from the Interment Rights Holder of record or the notarized Last Will of the Interment Rights Holder of record stating to whom the interment rights may be transferred. All this must be completed and verified by a Cemetery official before a transfer request is accepted to allow an interment. For this reason it is important to mention or discuss cemetery interment rights with your family and make arrangements for someone to assume the interment rights after you pass. Otherwise, no other family member may be legally interred without the written authorization of the Interment Rights Holder on record with the Cemetery. It is important to note that before a transfer can be completed, the original certificate of interment rights must be returned to The Cataraqui Cemetery so that a new certificate bearing the official seal may be issued. This assures all parties involved that multiple certificates of interment rights are not in circulation. Too often, we meet with families that have not transferred or have made written arrangements to transfer or direct their interment rights. We encourage you to seek our advice and experience so that you and your family may avoid troubling complications.

6. How many interments may I authorize?

The total number of interments permitted within a site will vary on a number of factors. The lot size, the type of location and any previous interments will determine the number of remaining interments that may be permitted. It is always best that the Interment Rights Holder contact us to determine lot occupancy if there are uncertainties. Where older lots are involved may will be required to perform a lot search for the prescribed fee. Because the burials sites vary in size, interment history, use and memorialization location, it is strongly advised that you confirm the interment options with our office on an individual basis. We are available to work with you before a troublesome situation occurs. Preferably, well in advance of an immediate need.

7. May I or my family make cemetery, crematorium or memorialization arrangements in advance?

Yes, you may make arrangements in advance. Pre-arrangements are ideal for families. Pre-arranging has been proven to be cost effective for families and relieves an additional burden that is placed on survivors who must make final arrangements at time of death. Additionally, families could resolve any potential problems with interment rights if the site has been used by previous generations and family members. By meeting with our professional staff, families will be guided, step by step, and be re-assured that final wishes will be carried out and there is peace of mind.

8. Why should I consider making pre-arrangements now?

You are never too young or healthy to make a sound decision for your family. Today is always the best time to pre-arrange cemetery services. No one knows when the arrangements will be needed, but we all know (whether we choose to admit it or not) that at some time the arrangements will definitely be needed. Is it a good decision to be at least prepared? Meet with us to learn more about the financial benefits of pre-arranging today. Locking in today’s prices will avoid any inflationary increases and extra costs to your estate or grieving family. We are pleased to provide information in a no pressure and relaxed manner at our office or in your home. Contact us to learn more.

9. Can I purchase a new monument from The Cataraqui Cemetery?

We fully understand that there are many details to resolve at a time of death. Coupled with the emotional stress of losing a loved one, we have found from listening to the experiences of many families that that they would prefer to to minimize the amount of "running around" they needed to do when making arrangements at en emotional time. For these reasons, we have introduced for our Interment Rights Holders the opportunity to pre-arrange many services. Additionally we have introduced an in house monument program for at need or pre-arranged situations. Now, Families do not need to "run around". They will be aided by a familiar person that has already been helpful in planning their cemetery services. We are available to families to assist with selecting and designing appropriate memorialization within their budget. A memorial may be an upright monument, a flat marker or a special inscription on a niche panel. We have an extensive display and are able to provide many familiar and custom styles that families may choose from. Our role is to assist families in finding the right memorial or words. We will guide you through the process, from beginning to end; so that you are assured that your decision is appropriate and fits your budget. Families also have the peace of mind in knowing that we guarantee the quality of every monument we sell. As an Interment Rights Holder and patron of the Historic Cataraqui Cemetery, did you know that you benefit from purchasing your memorialization from the the not for profit Cataraqui Cemetery. All the revenue from our products and services is for the care and operation of the Cemetery you now have a permanent connection with. We do not restrict monuments from outside dealers, should you still choose to purchase elsewhere. All monuments, flat markers and inscriptions must be approved by cemetery management for appropriateness as per the Cemetery's By-Laws. As a consumer, it is in your best interest to contact us before ordering or leaving a non refundable payment or deposit with an outside dealer. Take advantage of every opportunity to meet with us so that we may confirm the appropriateness of your intended memorialization and so that we may verify that you have the permission of the Interment Rights Holder (if you are not).

10. What is a Care & Maintenance fee and what is it for?

Ontario Provincial legislation outlines that care & maintenance is a non refundable fee that a cemetery is required to collect and hold in a restricted trust fund for the care and maintenance of the burial site and the cemetery grounds and on monuments or markers. The C&M fee for an interment site is a predetermined percentage of the purchase price and varies as to whether a grave, niche, garden, tree or mausoleum is purchased. The C&M fee for a monument or flat marker depends on the size. The Cemetery may only use the interest received from the trust. A separate trust fund is established for the care and maintenance of monument foundations and flat marker settings. Cemeteries and consumers are equally required to comply with Care & Maintenance as it is regulated by Ontario Provincial legislation.

11. Do monuments (headstones) and flat markers have care & maintenance?

As legislated by Ontario law, only the foundations of monuments (the poured concrete base that a monument is placed on) and flat marker settings are subject to care & maintenance. Should a foundation or setting deteriorate or move, The Cataraqui Cemetery is required to repair the foundation or reset the flat marker. Preference for repairing foundations and settings with the limited funds is given to families that paid into the fund. Damaged or broken monuments and flat markers remain the property and the responsibility of the Interment Rights Holder. If a monument has deteriorated or become damaged, contact us and we can discuss the options.

12. Can ornaments, flowers and other decorations be placed around the monument (headstone)?

For reasons of safety, respect to other Interment Rights Holders and continuity of the Cemetery's heritage and appearance, “The By-Laws of The Cataraqui Cemetery” explain this issue in detail. Visitors and Interment Rights Holders are asked to restrict plantings such as flower beds and trees as they obstruct the regular and efficient care & maintenance of the cemetery as well as the heritage value of the landscape. Check with our office before you plant. Natural cuttings or plantings of flowers are encouraged during the growing season (May 1 to October 31). Artificial flower arrangements or wreaths are encouraged during the non-growing season (November 1 to March 31). We respectfully ask that all artificial adornments, other than approved monuments, be removed by March 31. Please refer to our By-Laws or our office to verify if your adornment is acceptable. Advance notice in a prominent local newspaper will be issued advising visitors and Interment Rights holders that artificial adornments are to be removed. Commencing on April 1st, our staff will assume the responsibility of collecting on behalf of all the Interment Rights Holders, any artificial flowers, wreaths, glass, metal hooks etc... that have not been collected by families. These items will be set aside near our green houses for collection. After 30 days, any or all uncollected items will then be discarded. The Cemetery is not responsible for lost, stolen or discarded items. Glass, breakable items and shepherd hooks present safety hazards to visitors and our maintenance crews and are not permissible at any time throughout the year. Safety must be the priority. We ask that visitors respect the safety of others and our by-laws. It is always best to inquire, before placing items and plantings to determine if they are appropriate, acceptable and if any unique conditions apply.

13. Why are By-Laws necessary at Cataraqui Cemetery?

The By-Laws of the Cataraqui Cemetery provide everyone involved with the cemetery such as the Board of Trustees, Staff, Interment Rights holders and visitors with an outline of the Cemetery's governance and the Rules & Regulations. Ontario legislation states that all cemetery's must have by-laws and that they be approved by at least The Registrar of the Ontario Cemeteries Act. This is the common framework in which The Cataraqui Cemetery must operate. The heritage value, landscape and orderly presentation of the Cemetery is important to the community, those families that have acquired interment rights and our day to day operation of the still active Cemetery. It is the responsibility of all Interment Rights Holders and visitors to ensure that the Cemetery's By-Laws are followed. The Cemetery's Management team and staff are entrusted by the Interment Rights Holders to ensure the the Cataraqui Cemetery is managed, administered and operated to high standards. After all, our high standards are one of the reasons why family have been selecting Cataraqui Cemetery for over 160 years. The Rules and Regulations contained in the By-Laws explain the rights of Interment Rights Holders and the manner in which they can expect the Cemetery to conduct business. The Cataraqui Cemetery wishes to remind all visitors, patrons and staff that we are all equally responsible for the safety of one another and the By-Laws include measures for the benefit of all. It is important to note that our Rules & Regulations as well as our By-Laws, must be approved by the Interment Rights Holders at an A.G.M. and by the Ontario Government. This ensures fairness and credibility to the By-Laws.

14. Does Cataraqui Cemetery operate a crematorium?

The Cataraqui Cemetery's crematorium is just one of the many services that we provide to the Kingston community. We have been trusted by over 15,000 families and have become a well respected operator for over 30 years. If you or your family has chosen cremation as an option, you may pre-arrange our services in advance or you may direct your funeral director accordingly. Even if Cataraqui Cemetery is not your intended location for interment, you may still arrange the services of our crematorium. Our Family Services Representatives are available to offer you peace of mind by answering any questions you may have and assisting you with securing any arrangements.

15. Are all funeral homes and directors permitted access to Cataraqui Cemetery and the crematorium?

The Cataraqui Cemetery is not affiliated with any funeral homes or transfer services. We are an independent, public, non denominational, not for profit cemetery. We allow, without prejudice, all families access to Cataraqui Cemetery.

16. Is Cataraqui Cemetery full after 160 years?

Cataraqui Cemetery is not full, not sold out and has yet to reach capacity. Through wise land use and land acquisitions over the course of many years, we have acquired plenty of green space and have set it aside for future development. The emerging acceptance of cremation has afforded us the opportunity to positively improve our burial options. As of October of 2009, our newest section, The Gardens of Nicaea, was opened so that we may combine an offering of traditional graves, cremation graves and columbarium niches within a single well landscaped setting. Cataraqui Cemetery is well positioned to continue serving the community for many generations to come. Many of our 1850 sections are not sold out. However, our ability to provide plenty of space should not deter families from pre-arranging if they haven't already. Too often we meet with families who struggle with sudden or unexpected arrangements. It is always wise to select and secure your location in advance.

17. Does The Cataraqui Cemetery own or operate other cemeteries in the area?

Due to the relative proximity of other cemeteries to Cataraqui Cemetery, it is easy to understand why some people may have this impression. The Cataraqui Cemetery is responsible to the Ontario government only for Cataraqui Cemetery. Since the early 1800's there was a Quaker burial ground at the south west end of our current cemetery, and one family burial plot on the farmland that our cemetery now occupies. These have been absorbed into the current Cataraqui Cemetery and have been recorded and re-divided - not reused. Christ Church Anglican Cemetery is a separate cemetery from ours just as Cataraqui United Church and Beth Israel cemeteries. Each of these denominational cemeteries are managed and operated by their respective congregations. Cataraqui Cemetery is the only cemetery in Kingston that is not for profit, public, and non-denominational.

18. Do I really need the services of a cemetery?

As per Ontario legislation, the interment (burial) of human remains, including cremated remains (ashes) within an urn, must be be within a registered cemetery. Families may be surprised to learn that they may not bury an urn in their back garden or a similar meaningful location. Only registered cemeteries provide permanent burial sites that are preserved for perpetuity. Cataraqui Cemetery maintains permanent locations that will never be disturbed by future development. Ontario legislation also restricts the scattering of cremated remains (ashes). The gesture of scattering is not as idyllic as one might imagine. Many will find that scattering is not a suitable option once they have considered that the land or area that has been used for the scattering cannot be guaranteed to be free of disturbances in the future. A burial at a cemetery offers families peace of mind, a sense of closure and a permanent location for a lasting memorial. Some families may opt to keep the urn of a loved one close by for a period of time. As comforting as this may be for some, it can only be temporary. A day will come when a permanent location for the urn must be addressed. Our Family Services Representatives are available to explain and offer information to families so that they may fully understand the options and solutions that are available to them.

19. Is Cataraqui Cemetery exclusive?

Cataraqui Cemetery is a non-denominational not for profit rural reform public garden cemetery. We have worked hard to maintain a well kept garden cemetery that has interment options for all ranges of varying taste and budget. Though it is true that Cataraqui Cemetery is the final resting place of many well known and influential individuals and families; they are only a small percentage of the greater community we serve. Our mission is clear. We provide respectable burial options and services for the entire community.