St. Stephen's Cemetery

A natural/green, burial is a method of laying a body to rest that strives to be as environmentally gentle as possible. The body is placed directly into the earth in a biodegradable casket, without embalming fluids or synthetic materials. This allows it to decompose naturally, returning nutrients like carbon and minerals to the soil and supporting the surrounding ecosystem.

The natural/green burial plots at St. Stephen's Cemetery are only available for purchase at the time of need. This approach supports the legislative requirement for the vision for the space to naturalize gradually, beginning at the front of the section and moving back as plots are used. Over time, the area will transition into a vegetated landscape.

A licensed funeral director must be present during the interment at the cemetery. While families may be involved in many aspects of the process, we recommend reviewing A Guide to Death by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario to better understand your rights and responsibilities during this time.

No, for safety reasons, graves cannot be dug by families. The municipality is responsible for grave preparation and uses trained staff and appropriate equipment to ensure the process is done safely.

The body will be gently and respectfully lowered into the grave using a lowering device provided by the funeral director. 

Winter burials are permitted in the natural/green burial section at St. Stephen's Cemetery and must meet all requirements of a natural/green burial.

We want to respect the graves around your site, so ask that any reception or celebration of life be held elsewhere. Any gathering will be for the internment only. During the winter burial season, graveside gatherings could be restricted due to ground conditions. 

This cemetery, while looking natural, will be carefully planned so that non-native or invasive species are not planted. It should be considered as one giant memorial to all who are buried here.

No, individual memorials cannot be placed at or in the gravesite. A central memorial stone will include the names of those buried in the area. This approach is guided by Council decisions as the site develops, and the municipality will maintain a record of individual plot locations.