Ontario Headstone Rules: Care and Maintenance Fees, Permits and Installation
What Ontario families should know before buying a headstone: the provincial care and maintenance contribution, cemetery by-laws, foundations and buying from an independent supplier.
Ontario cemeteries are licensed and regulated under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002, overseen by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO). Within that framework each cemetery writes its own by-laws on sizes, materials and installation. Here's what families usually need to know.
The care and maintenance contribution
Before a marker or monument is installed, Ontario cemeteries collect a one-time contribution that goes into an irrevocable Care and Maintenance Fund used to look after the cemetery. Recent cemetery price lists show these amounts:
| Memorial | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Flat marker under 173 sq in (1,116 cm²) | $0 |
| Flat marker 173 sq in or larger | $100 |
| Upright up to 4 ft (1.22 m) high and long, including base | $200 |
| Upright over 4 ft (1.22 m) high or long, including base | $400 |
These figures appear on 2024–2025 price lists from Ontario cemeteries; confirm the current amount with your cemetery, because it is set provincially and collected by the cemetery.
Buying from an independent supplier
In Ontario you can buy a headstone from an independent supplier or manufacturer rather than the cemetery. The cemetery can require that the memorial meets its by-laws and can charge its published fees — the care and maintenance contribution, and often foundation and installation fees — but it must publish those prices.
Cemetery by-laws to request
- Permitted memorial types for your section (flat, bevel, upright).
- Maximum height, width and depth, including the base.
- Foundation requirements and who pours it.
- Installation season and approval or permit forms.
- Rules on vases, photos, lights and decorations.
Our general cemetery rules guide has a full checklist.
Foundations and installation season
Most Ontario cemeteries pour foundations in spring through fall, because frozen ground stops work in winter. Many also want the grave to settle before a monument is set — see how long to wait after burial and our foundation guide.
Who to call with questions
Start with the cemetery office. For questions about consumer rights, licensing or complaints, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario is the provincial regulator.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario cemeteries collect a one-time care and maintenance contribution: recently $0, $100, $200 or $400 depending on marker size.
- You can buy from an independent supplier; the memorial must meet the cemetery's by-laws.
- Ask for written by-laws on sizes, foundations and installation season.
- The BAO regulates cemeteries and handles consumer questions.
Next Step
Visit our Ontario service area page or our Pickering warehouse by appointment, then request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the care and maintenance fee for a headstone in Ontario?
Recent Ontario cemetery price lists show $0 for flat markers under 173 sq in, $100 for larger flat markers, $200 for uprights up to 4 ft including base and $400 for larger uprights. Confirm the current amount with your cemetery.
Can I buy a headstone somewhere other than the cemetery in Ontario?
Yes. You can use an independent supplier. The memorial must meet the cemetery's by-laws, and the cemetery can charge its published fees.
Who regulates cemeteries in Ontario?
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) administers the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 on behalf of the province.
When are headstones installed in Ontario?
Most cemeteries install from spring to fall, once the ground has thawed and the grave has settled. Winter installations are rare.
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Related guides
Granite Monument Care and Maintenance
Headstone Permits and Cemetery Approval
Cemetery Headstone Rules in Canada and the USA
Granite Headstone Foundation Requirements Explained
Veteran and Military Granite Headstones
