My wife died on June 2, 219. Form a list I was supplied, I contacted with several funeral homes about the process and cost of a simple body pickup, cremation and ashes delivered back to me for scattering. The responses were obsequious and cold with prices all over the place. However, Mount Pleasant Cemetery Group was very helpful and very supportive. They also mentioned that if I did not require any chapel services, there was one organization that was both more cost effective and very effective in delivering the services I needed. That organization was Affordable Cremations and Burials (ABC) who I contacted and Amanda shared with me what their service entailed, how to approach things and then gave me a cost which was substantially less than the "name brand" organizations I had contacted. I called Amanda back to arrange an appointment to discuss my needs in person and to let her know that I planned to use the service of ABC for my wife's funeral arrangements. ABC is a section of an industrial building that looks somewhat like a strip mall on Vanderhoof. It does not look grand or pretentious from the outside. Once in the doors, ABC looks like an office with a reception and boardroom but don't let the appearances influence you. The people at ABC make the difference and they push it head-and-shoulders above the big name-brand funeral homes. I met with Funeral Director, Fatima Newbigging for about an hour. She encouraged me to tell stories about my wife and our life together while also steering me to answer the questions she needed to move forward with the process. Fatima is wonderful if that can be said about a Funeral Director. She was supportive, gentle, empathetic, giving me enough time to focus and collect my thoughts and helping me through the necessary details without being phony, slithery or pushy (which is how I perceived the other funeral homes were just by a phone call.) I cannot recommend ABC highly enough to all those who want to have their loved ones taken care of in a supportive, kind, efficient and caring fashion while also saving money. ABC delivers the best of all worlds at a time when you are vulnerable and need a funeral service that looks out for you and your loved one. Did I mention that, should you wish a visitation, service, full burial, scattering, etc., that ABC has partnerships with more full-service organization that can provide those added services to those of ABC. (Not surprisingly, Mount Pleasant Cemetery Group is one of those partners.) George D. L. Keirstead, Toronto; June 26, 2019 read more

Dear Affordable Burials & Cremations I am writing this letter to express my gratitude and provide feedback on the cremation services provided by your company for my late brother. It is with a heavy heart that I convey my appreciation for the professionalism, compassion, and sensitivity exhibited by your staff throughout this difficult time. From the moment we contacted your company, we were met with empathy and understanding. Your staff members, particularly Harriet, were incredibly supportive and guided us through the entire process. She patiently answered our questions, addressed our concerns, and ensured that we fully understood each step of the cremation procedure. The peaceful environment and comforting atmosphere in your facility helped create an environment of solace and closure for our family. The level of professionalism and empathy displayed by your team was truly exceptional. They showed immense care and respect for our wishes, and their compassionate approach made the entire process more bearable. Their genuine concern for our well-being and their ability to provide personalized support were invaluable during this emotionally challenging time. Moreover, I would like to express my appreciation for the timeliness and efficiency with which the cremation was carried out. Your team ensured that all necessary paperwork and legal formalities were handled promptly, allowing us to focus on grieving and honoring our beloved brother. In conclusion, I cannot overstate my satisfaction with the cremation services provided by your company. Your team's professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend your services to anyone in need of funeral or cremation arrangements. Once again, thank you for your exceptional service during this difficult period. Your team's dedication to providing a dignified and compassionate experience has been a source of comfort for our family. Please extend our heartfelt gratitude to all staff members involved. Sincerely, Cathy read more

The appreciation I feel for ABC Cremation and Burial services is hard to put in words We first happened upon the company in November 2022 after my husband's sudden death. Quite by chance I had noticed that ABC had been named the Toronto Star's Reader's Choice Award in the funerals/cremation services category. When we met with Paul Newbigging to make arrangements, his genuine interest in us was immediately apparent. He made our choices so very easy to make. There was never any pressure. They supply a detailed package of the paperwork that needs to be done after a death which was so helpful. But it was Paul's kindness that really warmed our hearts. When we returned to collect the ashes, we resumed our talk and we felt almost as if he were a friend. When my brother was nearing the end of his life in April of this year I didn't hesitate to call upon ABC again. I was able to take care of most of the arrangements in advance, making it easier for my brother's children and the staff at the LTC home. Amanda and Lance came to collect the body and waited patiently while the staff assembled to pay their respects with a Walk of Honour. When we collected the ashes we were offered the option of having them divided (at no extra cost) but the children decided to keep them in a single urn. ABC is a family business. Paul has now retired but he's often still there. His son Andrew is now its head and it still has the low-key, friendly, respectful, easy-to-approach, no-question-too-small quality we first experienced in 2022. They are available 24 hours a day and will accommodate any circumstances that may arise. ABC also provides a free remote 'Meet and Learn' with its Grief Coach partner. And it is soooo affordable! I have heard from a friend who used a different service and was dismayed to learn how much more it cost and with not nearly the same amount of help we were given both times. So I recommend them whenever I get the chance! read more

When my dad passed away, I approached a few funeral homes, but ended up working with Affordable Burials & Cremations (ABC) in Toronto to try to respect my dad's wish of keeping things "as simple/basic and as low cost as possible". Working with a very low budget, I never thought it would be possible, let alone easy, to have a meaningful and memorable funeral. With my siblings and most family members out of the country, I needed to make arrangements that would be presentable on video, but the low budget made it really challenging. Fatima not only answered my questions patiently, even though I was asking the same questions repeatedly, almost "nitpicking" as I tried to fit as much as possible without going over the available budget, she also worked with me and gave sensible suggestions to help me achieve a presentable and memorable funeral for my dad. I was actually prepared to walk into the chapel to see only the basics, but to my surprise, Fatima and the talented team at ABC Toronto went above and beyond, applying their creativity to make the most basic as presentable as possible. Our family was surprised, very touched, and very happy with what was done. Up till the very end, they showed support and were very sympathetic, answered every question, and were willing to help where possible. We cannot thank them enough for making things so much easier for me and more memorable for our family members based in different countries. A definite 5 stars for them! read more

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to express how pleased I was with your services. As the Estate Trustee, I was entrusted by the deceased and his family to make appropriate arrangements for his cremation and burial. While significant resources were available for a "Grand Celebration", the deceased had requested modest arrangements be made. Honoring these wishes, I turned to Affordable Burials and Cremations, and was impressed with the ease with which all arrangements could be made, and while not an issue for me with this Estate, the value pricing. I did have one concern, which was that with such economical pricing, might the personal service and all arrangements seem "cheap", which would not have been appropriate. I had no reason for any concern. As I dealt with ABC, their compassion and respect to my needs and the deceased were uncompromised. When time came to pick up the deceased from his home, ABC arrived promptly and with the greatest of respect and dignity took care of all arrangements for the removal, cremation and paperwork to my, and the families, complete satisfaction. Looking back, I really should not have had any concerns, the Newbigging Family has been providing quality, professional and respectful support to families in Toronto for many decades, and they are continuing this level of superior service at ABC. read more

Fatima, Tom and Affordable Burials and Cremations Team, I cannot ever accurately communicate to you the sincere and profound gratitude that my entire family feels for the honorable, courteous, professional, timely, thoughtful, affordable, and loving support that you have provided for my family during our terrible and sudden loss. As my aunt sat in shock at the turmack, then alone at the airport after saying goodbye to her husband of 41 years in a sudden and unexpected manner, those of us in Florida tried to find a way to fly there to help take care of my uncle's deceased body and her wellbeing. We never expected that God would provide all that we could not do through you. You have become family - people who stand by others in their time of need. Thank you for what you do. Thank you for the way you have communicated and thoughtfully walked me through this process. Thank you for being there for families when they do not know what to do. Thank you, thank you. May God bless each one of you in a personal and specific way for being there for all of us when we did not know how to proceed. Grateful, read more

I recently entrusted Affordable Burials and Cremations to make arrangements for my late brother's cremation. He had been taken to the coroner's office in Toronto, and I live elsewhere - so I had to choose an unfamiliar company based on location and reviews. Despite the fact that we arranged everything over the phone and by email, I could not be more impressed with the professionalism, thorough and prompt replies, and sensitivity of all the staff I communicated with. I was kept informed throughout the process, and I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of their service. They may also have been the least expensive - but certainly there was nothing lacking that a costlier business could possibly have provided. Very, very glad I chose them - made a very difficult situation seamless. And for the record: I'm rarely impressed enough to write a review. read more

My father was going to pass away from cancer so I was researching funeral homes as we had NO idea of what to do. I came across Affordable Burials & Cremations and had seen that they were an excellent organization. The reviews are true, especially about Fatima. She was very sincere and helpful, she actually feels for you with empathy. She guided our family the whole way until the end. Our family wanted to do a Buddhist ceremony at the Chapel with more extended time than was listed on their site. She was very accommodating. The chapel was just the right size and comfortable. Lots of parking too for visitors. I loved that ABC's services are very flexible and customizable. They accommodate all sorts of budgets. The prices were more than fair. All in all, I highly recommend anyone who needs funeral services. The entire staff at ABC is amazing! read more

With no plans in place and no previous experience in making such arrangements, from my first contact with Affordable Burial & Cremations, the team and the service provided could not have made for a more rewarding experience at this challenging time. My initial contact was finding their website and the ease of navigating it and getting the information I needed in order to share with my family and help us begin what could have been a difficult journey, quickly reassured us we were in the right place. Each individual who helped us along at each step did so with kindness, patience, and respect. The gift they gave us was peace of mind, allowing us to focus on what was important at the time, our family. I highly recommend their services. Thank you ABC team and thank you Fatima. I know our Mom was well cared for. read more

Affordable Burials & Cremations helped make a very difficult time as stress-free as possible. Phone calls to Affordable Burials were always answered promptly and time estimates were accurate and met. Lance and Alex took wonderful care of my mother ensuring we had ample time to say goodbye and moved her from our home to the transport vehicle gently and with dignity. Amanda Lang, our Funeral Director, contacted us in advance regard the date to pick up my mother's ashes and she went over all relevant materials and information that was required for moving forward after a loved one dies. I cannot speak highly enough of the care, consideration and professionalism provided by Affordable Burials and would recommend this business to anyone in need of funeral services. read more

The service at Affordable Burials & Cremations is excellent. The representatives are knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. (Thank you Fatima!) The communication was stellular and non-intrusive. There was no "sales" pitch and all questions were answered. They offer a wide range of services. Further, it was very helpful that we could make arrangements online. Our family was guided through all the necessary steps and we were comfortable releasing our family member into their care. With complete confidence, we highly recommend this company. read more

We want to thank Fatima, Andrew, Amanda, and Team for being very detailed, professional, and compassionate in the passing of our grandmother. They accommodated our specific needs and we found the pricing on their website to be flexible, transparent and fair. They guided us through every step of the process and were extremely timely in corresponding with us. We highly recommend Affordable Burials and Cremations without any reservation and are greatly appreciative for everything. read more

I have used this service for both my mom and my dad. Both times everything was handled quickly and professionally, at a very reasonable cost. The staff appreciate that you are grieving, a bit overwhelmed, and rather clueless about the process. Ask all the questions you want. No one rushes you. There is no pressure. Fatima is such a calm kind person; all of her suggestions were excellent. I would give these folks ten stars if I could! read more

Amanda and Fatima were very supporting. There were many services that I didn't know what they meant, and they explained me clearly and patiently from the first moment. Fatima was so emphatic and respectful that many friends asked us if she was family or friend too. She made us feel very comfortable even we were in the middle of a very sad time. We had some special accommodations and they were always open to them. read more

My brother passed away under some difficult circumstances however the staff at ABC were extremely helpful, compassionate and knowledgeable. They helped me in the process when I did not know what to do. They were responsive, and from my perspective went above and beyond. I am so happy my brother's remains were in their capable hands and that they made the process easier for the family. I cannot thank them enough. read more

I would like to say thank you to the staff here! They went above and beyond to help me and my family during my moms passing. From the first contact they were respectful, they explained every step over the phone prior to us agreeing to anything. They were on time to pick up my mom and very well organized! The cremation of my mother was seamless. Thank you again for all you have done for us. read more

Fatima and Amanda were absolutely fantastic in dealing with our arrangements. Filling out and signing the required documents was painless through the website and e-documents. Really appreciated this. What was also appreciated was there was no pressure sales to upgrade or add this that or the other. I knew exactly what was required for our needs and it was provided. Thank you! Dave. read more

Grateful for the fine folks at Affordable Burials & Cremations for meeting my family and myself with kindness, compassion, knowledge and professionalism. Andrew, Lance and Fatima are truly a gift to this community. It's been one of the hardest times of my life and I couldn't have asked for a better team to intrust my process too. I will always be grateful to you all. read more

After doing a bunch of homework I settled on Affordable Burials and Cremations for my needs, and I"m glad I did. They were efficient, compassionate and offered exceptional value. Andrew was able to guide me through every step of the process and I felt better knowing it is a well established family business. I would highly recommend their services for those in need. read more