Information for families concerning thefts or vandalism at cemeteries

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) is again unfortunately having to share information with families who’ve experienced the additional stress of items being stolen or damaged at monuments, markers or gravesites.

If you see what appears to be vandalism and/or damage to your loved one’s final resting place, the BAO encourages you to contact the cemetery operator, the local police or Ontario Provincial Police, and the BAO itself.

You may reach the BAO on this matter at:

• 1-844-493-6356
• Licensing@TheBAO.ca

Last summer we provided information to licensed cemetery operators and families on what to do in such circumstances. Please read that information here.

Media contact
MediaInquiries@TheBAO.ca

About the BAO

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) is a government delegated authority and not-for-profit corporation administering provisions of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 (FBCSA). Accountable to the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement and the government, the BAO is responsible for the protection of the public interest. The BAO regulates, ensures compliance with the law, provides resources and services to licensed: 

• Funeral establishment operators, directors and preplanners;
• Cemetery, crematorium and alternative disposition operators;
• Transfer service operators; and
• Bereavement sector sales representatives across Ontario.

The BAO is wholly funded by licensee fees (not tax dollars).