Cemetery Services

Lots, columbarium niches and scattering rights are available for cremated remains. The columbarium is an above-ground structure with niches that can receive up to two cremated remains, and is adorned with a family memorial.

The cemeteries office receives many requests to perform genealogical searches for family members and friends. 

Within the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, staff can search through old cemetery archives to provide as much information as possible to the person making the request. 

Depending upon the amount of research involved, there may be a cost incurred. 

Other resources

• Ontario Genealogical Society
• Halton-Peel Branch of The Ontario Genealogical Society
• Registrar General's Office
• Oakville Public Library
• The Bronte Historical Society
• Oakville Historical Society
• Trafalgar Township Historical Society

Oakville Cemeteries offers a range of interment services including setting of flat markers, vase assemblies and foundations for upright monuments. 

Care and maintenance for each site is included in the fees for a cemetery lot. This includes seeding and re-seeding of plots and lot surfaces, seasonal cutting of grass and weeds, snow removal and other maintenance to uphold the peaceful appearance of the cemetery.

Bronze memorials and wreaths

Bronze memorials can be purchased through the town and are mounted on a base, set flush with the ground. Bronze vase assemblies, and vigil lamps are also available through the Cemetery Services office. Water for flowers is available from early June to late October.

Other memorials

• Memorial benches
• Memorial trees

Our Cemeteries team currently uses contracted services from qualified restoration professionals to provide restoration services for monuments and markers within our Pioneer Cemeteries. 

Monuments are examined to determine and schedule treatment needs. The main criteria include:

• if a monument could cause physical harm in its present state (can it be easily fall over and cause injury)
• if leaving a monument untreated would cause it to deteriorate

The treatment recommendations are based on the findings at the time of the condition assessment and apply the methods for repairing tombstones as outlined in the Ministry of Culture's Landscapes of Memories; A Guide for Conserving Historic Cemeteries.

Since this project began in 2009, the town has restored and recovered hundreds of markers and headstones. Work has been completed in Munn’s, St. Mary’s, Merton, Palermo, Wedgewood, Bronte, and St. Jude’s Cemeteries. Additionally, restoration work has taken place on Historic Memorials at George’s Square and Tannery Park.

Rates (effective January 1, 2022)

For detailed information, please review the 2022 Cemeteries Rates Price List (pdf).

All prices are subject to applicable taxes.

Holiday dates

Please note there is an additional charge for burials on the following designated holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1, 2022) - no burials
• Family Day (February 21, 2022)
• Good Friday (April 15, 2022)
• Easter Monday (April 18, 2022)
• Victoria Day (May 23, 2022)
• Canada Day (July 1, 2022) - no burials
• Civic Holiday (August 1, 2022)
• Labour Day (September 5, 2022)
• Thanksgiving (October 10, 2022)
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25 and 26, 2022) - no burials
• New Year's Day (January 1, 2023) - no burials

Policies and regulations

The Town of Oakville is licensed to own a cemetery under the provisions of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, License No. 3274886. 

The Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, departmental policies and procedures, and the Cemeteries By-law regulate the operation, maintenance and administration of town-owned cemeteries. The by-law includes regulations concerning dimensions of markers and monuments, hours of operation, allowances for flowers and other information regarding cemetery governance.

• Cemetery By-Law 2018-065 (pdf)

Planning ahead ensures that those who are dear to you will not have to make painful decisions during a time of stress.

Pre-arranging your cemetery services fixes the costs at today’s prices and ensures that the majority of the expenses have been attended to in advance. This helps lessen the financial burden on surviving family members.

• Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s consumer guide

Our experienced, caring, non-commissioned counsellors are available to help you understand your options and choose the best one to fit your circumstances.