‘We’re very creative in making sure that people are able to get the services they need. We don’t ever want to turn somebody away,’ says a County of Simcoe official.
This year alone, the County of Simcoe has organized funerals and burials for 200 residents who passed away without family or funds to pay for those expenses; out of these, 31 individuals were buried unclaimed.
The county’s community support and wellbeing division (formerly known as Ontario Works) manages this little-known service, which guarantees that everyone-from homeless individuals to seniors passing away alone in long-term care-receives a respectful burial.
Marlana Vandevis has overseen 82 community support and wellbeing workers across the county for five years and has witnessed numerous death arrangements during that time.
“It’s all different scenarios. It’s very sad, but there’s a bit of solace knowing that our team is able to provide that service (so these people have) dignity in dying,” said Vandevis in an interview. “Some of those calls are awful.”
Vandevis explained that although they mainly serve those on Ontario Works, they will also assist anyone who can show they’re low income and haven’t applied for social assistance before, even if someone related has been identified.
This often leads the county to help organize complete funerals and burials, receiving calls directly from funeral homes and collaborating with them on arrangements.
“We have a team of dedicated case workers. They are responsible for a lot of things, funerals being one of them,” explained Vandevis. “They work very closely with our funeral homes. They have some of them on speed dial.”
If a body remains unclaimed, no funeral is arranged-just a burial. She mentioned that in such cases, calls may come straight from the chief coroner’s office instead of through a funeral home.
If no relative or other person who agrees to handle the body comes forward, it falls upon the municipality to take care of burial costs. The Public Hospitals Act and Anatomy Act require municipalities to cover funeral and burial expenses for individuals who die in hospitals or leave behind unclaimed bodies.
“The coroner’s office does so much work looking for next of kin before it gets to us,” she said. “They send us a warrant.. and then we contact the funeral home.”
According to Vandevis, current county practices dictate that unclaimed bodies should be buried rather than cremated-this is done as a safeguard if any relatives decide to step forward later. She noted that cemeteries throughout the county usually reserve plots specifically for social-services-related funerals.
The costs associated with this service vary based on circumstances and whether a full funeral is requested. Vandevis mentioned it could range from $2,500 to $5,000. To help cover these expenses, she stated that the county applies for the Canadian Pension Plan death benefit on behalf of each individual. This benefit previously offered up to $2,500 but increased this year up to $5,000 depending on specific situations. However, headstones aren’t included under this benefit as eligible expenses.
Many times, Vandevis said the amount received doesn’t fully cover costs incurred by the county.
“We do our best. We don’t ever say no,” she stated. “We’re very creative in making sure that people are able to get the services they need. We don’t ever want to turn somebody away.”
She remembers one case involving someone receiving social assistance who opted for medical assistance in dying (MAID), working with the county prior to their passing about their funeral plans.
“They wanted things a certain way and didn’t want their family burdened with details after they passed-they sought relief by ensuring everything was taken care of beforehand,” she shared. “We did approve that decision. I think we might see more cases like this going forward.”
“It’s a very difficult situation”: Shelter official
Sara Peddle, executive director at David Busby Centre overseeing both Barrie and South Georgian Bay emergency shelters stated their organization has dealt with many similar situations over time.
Sometimes individuals using their shelter will name Busby Centre as their next-of-kin.
“We’ve actually worked with (funeral) homes and Ontario Works to provide services,” she said in an interview. “We’ve had instances where we needed funds raised just for headstones since that’s not covered.”
“It’s a very difficult situation,” Peddle noted. “Ontario Works does what it can but when there aren’t others available for help-it turns into what we call Pauper’s Funeral; it’s important too that people receive honor upon passing.”
Peddle estimates having attended eight “Pauper’s Funerals” over her 19 years at Busby Centre.
“We’ve had two within just two years,” she remarked.
A way Simcoe County Alliance aimed at ending homelessness along with Busby honors those who’ve died while without homes is hosting an annual Homeless Memorial Service in Barrie coinciding with national Homelessness Memorial Day observed on December 21st.
“That piece matters significantly too,” she added.
When asked about what she wishes more understood regarding her role, Vandevis expressed her desire for greater awareness around options available for families lacking financial means to afford funerals or burials.
“It’s not just meant solely for recipients receiving social assistance,”she emphasized.”We aim at spreading word through presentations made towards paramedics, shelters, and MPP offices highlighting available support.” p >
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