How to Plan a Funeral in Ottawa
For Ottawa families, planning a funeral involves BAO-licenced funeral homes, the National Capital Region's mix of cemeteries (including Beechwood — the National Cemetery of Canada), bilingual service options, and federal employee or military funeral considerations where applicable.
BAO-licenced funeral homes
All funeral establishments in Ontario must be licenced by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Ottawa has numerous licenced funeral homes. Verify any provider with BAO before signing contracts.
Ottawa cemeteries
- Beechwood Cemetery — the National Cemetery of Canada, with National Military Cemetery and RCMP National Memorial Cemetery sections
- Notre Dame Cemetery — Catholic, strong Francophone history
- Capital Memorial Gardens — modern cemetery
- Hope Cemetery — central
- Pinecrest Cemetery — Ottawa
- St. Joseph's Cemetery — Catholic
- Other smaller and culturally-specific cemeteries
Plot costs typically $4,000-12,000 depending on cemetery and section.
Typical Ottawa costs
- Direct cremation: $1,500-2,800
- Traditional service with visitation: $5,500-12,000
- Full burial including plot, casket, vault, services: $13,000-25,000
Bilingual services
The National Capital Region's bilingual character is reflected in funeral services:
- Many funeral homes offer fully bilingual English/French services
- Bilingual officiants available for both religious and secular services
- Service materials (memorial cards, programs) available in either or both languages
- Notre Dame Cemetery has strong Francophone tradition
Federal employees and military
Specific considerations for federal employees and military members:
Veterans: The Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program (administered on VAC's behalf by the Last Post Fund) may cover funeral services up to roughly $7,376, plus additional burial costs — such as a plot, opening and closing, and a grave marker — above that maximum, subject to program limits. Eligibility is based on service history and financial circumstances.
Active military: Department of National Defence has specific procedures for military funerals including possible military honours, flag presentation, bugler, firing party for senior personnel.
RCMP: RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood is specifically for RCMP members; specific protocols apply.
Federal public service: Federal employee death typically includes Public Service Pension Plan death benefits administered through Treasury Board.
Death registration
Process:
- Death pronounced (physician or coroner)
- Funeral director files death registration with Province of Ontario
- Death certificate ordered from ServiceOntario
- Estate administration begins separately
City of Ottawa doesn't process death registrations — provincial.
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures Ottawa-specific preferences — funeral home, cemetery, military or federal service considerations, bilingual preferences.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Bereavement Authority of Ontario — Bereavement Authority of Ontario
- [2]Beechwood Cemetery — Beechwood Cemetery
- [3]Veterans Affairs Canada — Funeral and burial assistance — Government of Canada
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral typically cost in Ottawa?
Direct cremation typically $1,500-2,800; traditional service with visitation typically $5,500-12,000; full traditional burial including plot, casket, vault often $13,000-25,000. Ottawa pricing tends to be between Calgary and Toronto.
Are bilingual services available?
Yes — many Ottawa funeral homes offer fully bilingual (English and French) services, reflecting the National Capital Region's bilingual character. Notre Dame Cemetery has a strong Francophone tradition. Many funeral directors are bilingual.
What if my loved one was a federal employee or military member?
Federal employees and military members may have specific death benefits and burial honours. Military funerals can include military honours, flag, and Veterans Affairs Canada funeral and burial benefits — funeral services up to roughly $7,376 plus additional burial costs such as a plot, opening and closing, and a grave marker, subject to program maximums and eligibility for qualifying veterans. National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada have specific procedures. Beechwood Cemetery has a National Military Cemetery section.
What's Beechwood Cemetery?
Beechwood is the National Cemetery of Canada, recognized by Parliament. It contains the National Military Cemetery, the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery, and notable Canadians. Both burial and cremation services available; specific sections for various military and police services.
How do I register a death in Ottawa?
The funeral director typically files the death registration with the Province of Ontario on the family's behalf. Death certificates ordered from ServiceOntario. City of Ottawa doesn't process death registrations.