Funeral and celebration of life celebrants in London

Can you scatter ashes in London?

Yes. The City of London allows ashes to be scattered on City land and in waterways, and you do not need its permission to do so in a London park or into the water. The City is currently establishing a dedicated site, with upgrades planned: the Riverside Boat Launch, 520 Riverside Drive, near Wonderland Road, where a ramp leads down to the Thames River. It is first come, first served, and the ramp has no handrails. Check the river's flood bulletins before you go, and leave nothing behind in the water or on the shore, not even a note or the wrapping from flowers.

Across Ontario, ashes can also be scattered on private land with the owner's consent, and on unoccupied Crown land, including land covered by water, where no sign prohibits it.

Where can you hold a celebration of life in London?

The City rents indoor and outdoor spaces for private functions of 15 to 300 people, with tables and chairs, set-up, a kitchen or audio-visual equipment depending on the facility. Book through Recreation Customer Service at 519-661-5575 or recreation@london.ca, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. You need proof of at least $2 million in liability insurance naming the City, or you can buy coverage through the City.

For an outdoor gathering, picnic sites in Gibbons, Springbank and Greenway parks can be booked from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. In 2026, a covered site costs $118.30 and an uncovered site $84.50 for up to 49 people, plus HST. Covered sites are in Gibbons and Springbank parks.

How can you create a lasting memorial in London?

The City runs three commemorative programs, each capped at 20 applications a year (memory@london.ca):

Flowers, wreaths and other items cannot be left at the benches, trees or Memory Wall.

What if the estate can't cover a basic funeral?

The City's Discretionary Benefits program may help pay for a basic funeral, cremation or burial for a London resident who had no life insurance or prepaid funeral, when the estate is below the program's limits and no other funding exists. The next of kin must call 519-661-5910, and Social Services must approve before any contract is signed with a funeral home or cemetery: costs cannot be reimbursed after signing.

When is a celebrant a good fit?

When you want a ceremony that tells the story of the person. A celebrant from our local network comes to the place you choose, whether a funeral home, a cemetery, a park, a hall or your home, and writes the ceremony around the person's life, religious or not. The price is shown upfront, all-in. If the celebrant becomes unavailable, Celebrance finds a replacement.

Information checked on September 24, 2026 against official sources from the City of London and the Province of Ontario. Rules and fees can change: confirm with the City before you plan.

Sources: london.ca: scattering funeral ashes · london.ca: recreation rentals · london.ca: picnic sites · london.ca: commemorative programs · london.ca: ontario works · ontario.ca: arrange funeral burial cremation alkaline hydrolysis or scattering · thebao.ca: welcome to the bereavement authority of ontarios faq for consumers