Funeral Home Price Lists (GPL) in Ontario: What to Know

What a General Price List includes, why it matters in Ontario, and how families can use it to compare costs fairly.

6 min read•By Editorial Team•Updated January 25, 2026
General Price ListUnderstanding Price Lists

When a family member dies, you will likely be asked to make decisions quickly. One of your most important protections in Ontario is the General Price List, and most families do not know it exists.

What Is a GPL?

A General Price List (GPL) is a document funeral homes are legally required to provide. It shows every service and product they offer, with individual prices.

This matters because:

  • You can see exactly what things cost before committing
  • You can compare prices between funeral homes
  • You can choose only the services you want

What It Actually Looks Like

A GPL is usually a multi-page document listing:

Professional Services - Basic services fee (sometimes called "professional services") - Arrangement conference - Coordination with cemetery/crematorium - Documentation preparation

Preparation of Remains - Embalming (always optional in Ontario) - Other preparation (washing, dressing) - Refrigeration

Facilities - Viewing room rental - Chapel/ceremony room - Reception room

Vehicles - Hearse - Limousine - Transfer vehicle

Merchandise - Caskets (usually shown separately with photos) - Urns - Memorial stationery

What Families Usually Notice First

When families see a GPL for the first time, common reactions include:

  • "I didn't realize we could choose individual items"
  • "The package they quoted us is much more expensive than adding up what we actually want"
  • "I had no idea the 'professional services fee' was this much of the total"

The professional services fee (or basic services fee) is often $2,000-$4,000 alone and is usually non-declinable. This is worth knowing before you start adding up other costs.

Your Rights in Ontario

Under Ontario regulations:

  • Funeral homes must provide a GPL on request
  • They cannot refuse to give you prices over the phone
  • They must give you an itemized contract before you sign
  • They cannot require you to buy packages when you want individual items
  • Embalming is never required by Ontario law (though some funeral homes may require it for open-casket viewings)

Questions to Ask When Reviewing

When you receive a GPL or quote:

  1. "Is the professional services fee included in this quote?"
  2. "What's your lowest-cost option for [cremation/burial]?"
  3. "Are there any third-party fees not on this list?"
  4. "What's extra if we need after-hours transfer?"
  5. "Can I purchase individual items instead of a package?"

Getting Quotes in Advance

There's no rule saying you have to wait until someone dies to get pricing. Many families now request GPLs in advance as part of planning conversations.

You can call or email funeral homes and simply say: "I'm gathering information for future planning. Could you send me your current price list?"

This removes time pressure entirely.

Last updated: January 2026. Reviewed using Ontario GPL disclosure guidance. See our editorial policy for our standards.