Funeral and celebration of life celebrants in Orillia

Where can you hold a celebration of life in Orillia?

The City of Orillia rents indoor rooms and outdoor park spaces for celebrations and other private gatherings. Bookable spaces include meeting rooms, a large event floor, pavilions, band stands, the Aqua Theatre and parks for special events. The Orillia Opera House, the Stephen Leacock Museum and the Orillia City Centre also have spaces to rent. Send your request at least 3 business days in advance, either through the self-serve Facility Booking Portal or with the Booking & Special Event Permit Request Form. Only some spaces can be booked through the portal. For help, contact the Orillia Recreation Centre, 255 West Street South, at 705-325-4386.

Can you scatter ashes in Orillia?

Yes, as long as you follow the provincial rules and check with the City before using City land. Ontario allows scattering on private land with the owner's consent and on unoccupied Crown land, including land covered by water, where no sign prohibits it. It also allows scattering on municipal land where no by-law forbids it. A private landowner cannot charge you a fee unless they are a licensed cemetery operator. Before you scatter ashes in a City park, call the City at 705-325-1311 to ask whether a by-law applies.

How can you honour someone with a bench or tree in Orillia?

You can donate one through the City's Bench and Tree Donation Program, and receive a tax receipt. In 2026, a standard bench costs $1,769, or $2,601 when a concrete pad is required. The price covers the bench, the plaque, installation and upkeep for 15 years. A standard tree with a plaque costs $468. Trees are planted in spring and fall. Requests must arrive by March 1 for spring planting and by August 1 for fall planting. For a bench, plaque production and installation can take three to four months. Couchiching Beach Park, Veteran's Park and J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park are no longer accepting new benches. You can send the application by email to the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department or drop it off at the City Centre, 50 Andrew Street South. Flowers, wreaths and photos cannot be left at a donated bench.

Who registers the death in Orillia?

Usually the funeral director does, although a family member can also register it. In Ontario, the death is usually registered with the municipality where it happened. A burial permit, needed for a burial or a cremation, is issued only once the death is registered. The City of Orillia's 2026 fee schedule lists burial permits at $38 in town and $43 out of town, plus a $20 surcharge after hours. Customer service at the City Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.

When is a celebrant a good fit?

A celebrant is a good fit when you want a ceremony that speaks about the person, religious or not. A celebrant from our local network comes to the place you choose, whether that is a funeral home, a cemetery, a park, a hall or your home. They write the ceremony around the person's life. With Celebrance, the price is shown upfront, all-in, and if the celebrant becomes unavailable, Celebrance finds a replacement.

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

Sources: orilliarec.ca: facility and park rentals · orillia.ca: trees · media-001-ca.cdn.govstack.com: bench and tree donation program guidelines new 260820.pdf · orillia.civicweb.net: 313094 · orillia.ca: contact us · ontario.ca: arrange funeral burial cremation alkaline hydrolysis or scattering · ontario.ca: what do when someone dies · thebao.ca: welcome to the bereavement authority of ontarios faq for consumers