The Ontario Association of…

The Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP) is an association of bereavement professionals and organizations that provides education and support to our members and, by way of our membership, the families of Ontario. OACFP member organizations serve the majority of Ontario’s families, both at a time of need, and when they are making arrangements in advance by preplanning their funeral, cremation and/or burial.

With respect to the province's Cemeteries and cosmetic pesticides, it is proposed that the use of pesticides to maintain the lawn of a burial lot in a cemetery be added as a use that is exempt from the cosmetic ban if certain requirements are met, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) certification and the preparation of an annual report of pesticide use.

For over a decade, Cemeteries in Ontario have been prohibited from considering the use of pesticide as an option to promote turf health and combat broadleaf weeds within their Integrated Pest Management plans. As a result, Cemeteries have faced challenges in providing quality turf for our bereaved families. This challenge is most evident during the early spring growing season. While initially there was hope that a greener alternative to pesticide would be developed, it has never materialized. After considerable testing and experience with managing turf under this ban, the OACFP believes that Ontario's cemeteries should be afforded the same exemptions and rules as provided to Ontario's golf courses.

While we understand that not all of our member cemeteries would use pesticides if the proposed changes in regulation are adopted, it has long been the OACFP’s position that cemeteries in the Province should have the same options for turf health as recreational properties. As such, the OACFP is supportive of the amendments regarding the province's Cemeteries and cosmetic pesticides.