COVID-19 Updates

Park Memorial Updates and how COVID-19 affects funerals.

Current Situation

Situation is currently being monitored and updated on a daily basis.

Edmonton


Other Branches


All restrictions and mandates are now lifted across the province of Alberta.


Because the comfort and safety of our team members and communities are our top priority, we will continue to mask at the request of our families, even though all mandates have been lifted. As well, we ask that if you are ill, that you avoid attending in-person funerals and arrangements meetings. Virtual arrangements will continue to be available.

Alberta’s Phase Three Cancellation of All Mandates
Effective Wednesday, June 15, 2022



With this newest phase of Alberta’s response to the pandemic, all restrictions and mandates that affect funerals and bereaved families are officially lifted. That said, our team honours that each family we serve may have different areas of comfort; we are happy to wear a mask at the request of your family, and virtual funeral arrangements will remain available by request. We respectfully ask for our guests and community to show grace and compassion for those choosing to remain masked in days to come.



Kirstie Smolyk,
President, Park Memorial


Park Memorial Funeral Home responds to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Life in our community certainly has changed over the last few months. In every facet of our society, we are all adjusting to a new way of life. While the health of our team members and the families we serve remain our top priority, we also accept our ongoing responsibility to support our community during this time of need. Both provincial and federal governments have designated our business as an essential service, and as such, we remain open and ready to provide service for our families and our community in this time of need.


The message that every one of our team members would like to communicate to you is this: “We are open and here to support you by delivering the high-quality services your families have come to expect – regardless of the circumstances.” While the approach we may use in delivering services today is slightly different than what we have done in the past, families can continue to count on us to use all of our resources to help them memorialize their loved ones in the most respectful and caring way.


To help reinforce physical distancing guidelines, we can use a variety of ways for families to make arrangements while not being present in the building. Where funeral gathering numbers must remain limited, we offer both recorded services and webcasting services so that extended families and friends can still participate and pay their respects. Important updates on restrictions and recommendations from AHS and the AB Government can be read below, and are dated for your convenience. Because the health and safety of our team members and communities are our top priority, we continually re-evaluate our policies and procedures to comply with all regulatory mandates. That way, we can ensure that every team member is equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment and our facilities remain safe and welcoming spaces.


We have a great sense of pride and ownership in the community we serve. This world-wide public health crisis only strengthens that commitment and our desire to continue to serve families with the same high levels of care and dedication. While our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families, friends, and communities impacted by Coronavirus, please know that we are here to help you navigate this very trying time. We will get through this together.


The Team at Park Memorial Funeral Home

Provincial updates that affect funerals are posted by date, below.

  • March 9, 2022

    City of Edmonton’s Cancellation of Mandatory Mask Mandate. 


    Earlier this week, The City of Edmonton dropped its mandatory mask mandate meaning that the families we are serving, attendees at funeral ceremonies, and other guests of Park Memorial are no longer required to wear masks. Our team honours that each family we serve may have different areas of comfort; we are happy to wear a mask at the request of your family.


    We respectfully ask for our guests and community to show grace and compassion for those choosing to remain masked in days to come.

  • February 9, 2022

    Effective today, the province of Alberta has ended the REP. This means that you will not have to show a QR Code or provide negative results from a rapid test to enter our funeral homes in Alberta.


    Going forward, this means that there will be no limitations on the size of funerals at Park Memorial. We do not know if churches and other places of worship will have their own internal limitations, so we will check individually with each church as they are requested by families during arrangements.


    Masking is still required in all our Park Memorial buildings. In our Edmonton Reception Centre, a mask must be worn whenever not eating or drinking. The masking mandates will remain in effect until March 1 as dictated by the province, or as otherwise dictated by our cities.


    As always, we continue to offer families the same attention, care and dedication as always. And our commitment to your safety and our team’s safety remains a priority.

  • September 27, 2021

    With the new provincial restrictions announced on September 15, Park Memorial will be implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) starting Monday, September 27, 2021. This means there will be no limits on the number of guests attending services or receptions on Park Memorial premises. The AB Government has clarified that funeral homes must choose to be part of the REP or not. We cannot switch back and forth service by service or family by family. Therefore, the REP program will be implemented in our Edmonton, Vegreville, Smoky Lake and Lamont locations. Although our Mayerthorpe location is not currently participating in the REP program, that may change at any time.


    We believe that families should have their support system, including of all their beloved family and friends, surrounding them at a funeral while also feeling safe to do so, therefore we made the choice to implement the REP program. Of course, those who are unvaccinated may still enter the funeral home at any time with a negative rapid test result or an original medical exemption letter.


    What does this mean?


    Starting Monday, September 27 all individuals aged 12 and older must do one of the following when entering Park Memorial premises:


    - Provide proof of vaccination (along with corresponding valid ID for individuals aged 18 and older); or

    Provide proof of a negative rapid Covid test that has been taken within 72 hours of entry; or

    Provide an original (non-copied) medical exemption letter.


    - If vaccinated, your last dose must be at least 14 days prior to the day of your entry. Until October 24: At least one dose is required. As of October 25: Two doses are required.


    Other information to note:


    All places of worship and other venues hosting indoor funerals are permitted with up to 50 people or 50% of fire code capacity, whichever is less (unless the venue implements the REP). Your funeral director will inquire about the restrictions in each specific church and other venue for you.

     Luncheons may not be held anywhere unless the venue participates in the Restriction Exemption Program (REP).

     Mandatory masking continues to be in place across the province in all indoor facilities and physical distancing is encouraged.


    We appreciate your understanding as we continue to keep the health and safety of our families, guests and staff our highest priority.

  • September 3, 2021

    As of September 3, 2021, The City of Edmonton has reinstated the Temporary Mandatory Face Covering Bylaw. This means that all staff and visitors of Park Memorial’s indoor spaces and fleet of vehicles are required to be masked or wearing a face covering at all times. This bylaw will be in place until December 31, or until active cases drop below 100 per 100,000 for 10 straight days. As of September 4, this face covering mandate will be province wide, meaning that staff and visitors of Park Memorial’s indoor spaces and fleet of vehicles at each of our locations (Edmonton, Vegreville, Smoky Lake, Mayerthorpe, and Lamont) will be required to wear a face covering or mask.


    We appreciate your understanding as we all readjust yet again to the changes required to help to maintain our community’s safety, which remains Park Memorial’s priority.

  • July 1, 2021

    As we enter Phase 3 – Reopening in Alberta, Park Memorial wants to answer the many questions that you may have about how we are implementing the changes associated with the loosening of all pandemic restrictions. We also understand that there may be many mixed feelings and reactions to the reopening of life after over a year of restrictions. The health and safety of our families, guests, and staff team continue to be our highest priority; this includes the comfort of each of our guests in feeling safe while in our facilities. In accordance with this:


    Mask and Hand Sanitizer Policy

    With the mask bylaw being lifted both across the province and in Edmonton as of July 1, masks are no longer mandatory to be worn while visiting Park Memorial facilities*. With that being said, we honour those families, guests, and our own staff team who wish to continue being masked while in public, and we welcome the wearing of masks for those who desire to do so. We ask that you continue to use hand sanitizer upon entering any of Park Memorial's facilities. 

    *Please note that churches and other funeral venues may have their own differing mask policies.


    If You are Unwell or Have Been in Contact With Someone Who Has Covid

    The precautions that we have all become accustomed to over the past year while we are feeling unwell will still be maintained by Park Memorial; if you are exhibiting any cold or flu-like symptoms, you have beenin recent contact with someone who has had Covid, or you are awaiting the results of a Covid test yourself, we respectfully ask that you remain at home in the interest of keeping our staff and community feeling well. 

    Cleaning Standards

    At the beginning of the pandemic, Park Memorial purchased many professional grade air filters to place around our Edmonton building and in each of our rural locations, and intensive cleaning and sanitizing each area and room of our facilities became paramount. We will continue steadfast cleaning and sanitizing of all areas of our facilities, with a continued focus on high touch points.

    Making Funeral Arrangements

    If the funeral director you are meeting with has chosen not to wear  a mask, and your comfort requires that they wear one while meeting with you, our staff team will be happy to wear a mask for your comfort.


    Receptions in our Park Memorial Reception Centre

    We have resumed receptions in our Park Memorial Reception Centre at pre-covid capacity. Our reception offerings remain a selection of pre-ordered, individually boxed lunches at this time.

  • May 5, 2021

    Restrictions have limited funerals once again. Effective immediately, only a maximum of 10 guests are able to attend a funeral or farewell ceremony. This number of 10 does not include funeral home staff, the officiant, and funeral organizers who are not invited guests. Receptions and food and beverage gatherings of any kind are still not allowed. Guests must maintain physical distancing from all guests who do not reside within the same household. All gestures of sympathy, love, and remembrance should remain non-physical outside of household cohorts. We know that there is no replacement of in-person hugs and comfort during bereavement, but Park Memorial continues to offer livestream service of all ceremonies being held by the families that we serve on a complimentary basis. Connection is possible, even during a pandemic.


    We know that you are tired of restrictions that minimalize a bereaved family’s ability to mourn their loss, receive comfort from friends and family, and begin the grieving process in a healthy way. We feel this, too.


    Losing a loved one in ‘normal’ times is immeasurably difficult. Bereaved families in the time of Covid-19 are subject to excruciating layers of grief and pain that is unique and seemingly cruel. Our staff family has walked, and will continue to walk, this lonely road alongside these families. We are here, and we care.


    The families we serve, our staff family, and our community are our top priority. Park Memorial continues to adhere to the measures and restrictions as set out by AHS and our provincial government.


    We continue to practice the highest safety measures in every level of our service, including frequent sanitization procedures of all hard surfaces throughout the day, and wiping down each of our common spaces and offices after each use. Funeral arrangements can be made virtually with zero physical contact for those families who desire this level of care, or who are in isolation or quarantine. Masks are required at all times for every person who accesses our funeral homes. Every effort and precaution is being exercised across our organization to keep safety paramount to our operation.


    These are hard and trying days for us all. Our Park Memorial family continues to do all that we can to follow the restrictions that we all must adhere to in hopes of better days ahead. We continue to do our utmost to earn and keep the faith and trust of our community in all that we do.



  • January 18, 2021

    The provincial restrictions that govern funeral attendance have eased slightly in order to allow for a maximum of 20 guests to attend indoor and outdoor funeral services. Our funeral home professionals and staff, clergy, and event organizers who are not considered an invited guest, are not included in the 20. Receptions are still restricted from taking place.


    We hope that this will ease a little of the burdens that have been placed on bereaved families during the pandemic and will help to decrease the stress of trying to decide who will be able to attend and who will not.


    Our focus remains on the safety of the families that we serve, our staff family, and our community. Guests will still be required to be masked at all times, and seated within their household/cohort groups. They will also be required to stay distanced from those outside of their cohort groups. 


    We continue to be here for you... to look after the families we serve and to find new and creative ways to help during such challenging times.

  • November 12, 2020

    Effective November 13th, funeral ceremonies in Edmonton and all areas of the province that are in a "watch" mode, meaning they are under enhanced covid measures, are to be restricted to 50 people. This includes services in our Edmonton chapel, as well as all graveside services. Funerals held in faith-based venues are being restricted to 1/3 capacity of that specific venue.


    We understand that this brings additional difficulties for many families. We will continue to offer live-streaming at no charge to help bring connection to those wanting to support their family and friends who have lost a loved one, and we will do whatever else we can to support you. 


    We know this may bring forth further questions, and we are available to answer your questions about funerals and Covid at any time.


    Please see the link below for more specific information on these latest restrictions.


    https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

  • October 27, 2020

    Effective immediately, social gatherings in Edmonton have been restricted to 15 people or less. This does not impact funerals / farewell ceremonies, but it does impact the receptionsand uncheons that follow. Please note that we will be complying with these new restricitons We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these changes. Our Park Memorial team continues to serve bereaved families to our highest standard and capability within this landscape of change.


    Respectfully,


    Kirstie Smolyk

    Vice President and Owner

  • August 15, 2020

    We are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Reception Centre, as per AHS guidelines, which is available for gatherings of up to 50 people following a service. Please contact us to find out what safe options we have for you at this time. When attending a reception, we ask that you continue to wear your mask until you are seated at a table.


    Respectfully,


    Kirstie Smolyk

    Vice President and Owner

  • June 12, 2020

    The Province of Alberta is currently allowing a maximum of 100 people at a funeral, as long as they can be physically distanced appropriately. Park Memorial’s Edmonton chapel will allow for up to 100 people who are physically distanced, which includes the officiant, funeral home staff, any other individuals who are assisting with the service, as well as family and friends. Our rural locations will only allow for smaller numbers on-site. Every church or funeral venue will have different guest allowances based on their size and spacing ability. Our staff will have to check with each venue to see how many people will be allowed to attend. Mausoleums and cemeteries have their own number restrictions as well, which may be different than what is allowed in the funeral venue. We must adhere to the number restrictions of every venue and cemetery as they determine them. At the time of arrangements, the funeral director you meet with will be able to discuss options such as, recording and/or live streaming the service so that others can be part of the ceremony. We provide this service at no charge to the family. Physical distancing must remain in practice in order to keep the families we serve safe, as well as our own staff. We know this may seem confusing to navigate and we are here to assist you through every step. Unfortunately, we are still unable to host any receptions in our Reception Centre for the foreseeable future. Our cleaning and safety protocols remain as stringent as ever, as public health and that of our own staff family remains our priority. We wash our hands/sanitize regularly, we clean and sanitize the building and high-touch surfaces multiple times a day, we use professional quality air filters to help purify the air, we have hand sanitizer in many locations through the building, and we will provide surgical masks for pallbearers who must be in close physical proximity to each other while carrying a casket. Park Memorial is still here for you, seven days a week, to help your family during these most difficult times. We know that Covid-19 has changed the way we are able to grieve, making it even harder to bear a loss. Although we may not be able to give hugs, we are here to support you in any way we can.


    Respectfully,


    Kirstie Smolyk

    Vice President and Owner

  • May 14, 2020

    The restrictions around funeral gatherings have changed to allow for up to 50 people at a funeral or 1/3 of the venue capacity, whichever is smaller, and whichever ensures that physical distancing will be maintained.


    Park Memorial’s Edmonton chapel will allow for up to 50 people who are physically distanced, which includes the officiant, funeral home staff, any other individuals who are assisting with the service, as well as family and friends. Our rural locations will only allow for smaller numbers on-site.


    Every church or funeral venue will have different guest allowances based on their size and spacing ability. Our staff will have to check with each venue to see how many people will be allowed to attend. Mausoleums and cemeteries have their own number restrictions as well, which may be different than what is allowed in the funeral venue. We must adhere to the number restrictions of every venue and cemetery as they determine them.


    At the time of arrangements, the funeral director you meet with will be able to discuss options such as, recording and/or live streaming the service so that others can be part of the ceremony. We provide this service at no charge to the family. 


    Physical distancing must remain in practice in order to keep the families we serve safe, as well as our own staff. We know this may seem confusing to navigate and we are here to assist you through every step. 


    Unfortunately, we are still unable to host any receptions in our Reception Centre for the foreseeable future.


    Our cleaning and safety protocols remain as stringent as ever, as public health and that of our own staff family remains our priority. We wash our hands/sanitize regularly, we clean and sanitize the building and high-touch surfaces multiple times a day, we use professional quality air filters to help purify the air, we have hand sanitizer in many locations through the building, and we will provide surgical masks for pallbearers who must be in close physical proximity to each other while carrying a casket. 


    Park Memorial is still here for you, seven days a week, to help your family during these most difficult times. We know that Covid-19 has changed the way we are able to grieve, making it even harder to bear a loss. Although we may not be able to give hugs, we are here to support you in any way we can.

  • April 15, 2020

    The Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board (AFSRB) has clarified that the maximum number of 15 people allowed at mass gatherings now includes all of the following: the clergy/celebrant, the funeral staff required to run the service, musicians or other people taking part in the service, as well as the family and friends attending the service. All of these people combined together at the service CANNOT EXCEED 15 in number.


    As detailed in the March 27th update below, our team of dedicated funeral professionals remains committed to helping families plan a private farewell following the death of a loved one, while using technology to assist in sharing services wherever and however we can. Families who entrust Park Memorial Funeral Home with caring for their loved one can expect modified business practices while working within Covid-19 restrictions, while maintaining our usual level of superior customer service.


    Families with questions or concerns about funeral planning are encouraged to contact Park Memorial Funeral Home, Edmonton by calling 780-426-0050 or toll-free at 1-877-426-0050, or emailing to: info@parkmemorial.com.

  • March 27, 2020

    The Province of Alberta has further restricted the number of people allowed to gather, from 50 people, to no more than 15 people. This includes funerals. Park Memorial is still here to serve you and we are available 7 days/week. We will be proceeding with small  visitations and funerals comprised of no more than 15 people at one time. Physical distancing must remain in practice in order to keep the families we serve safe, as well as our own staff. We continue to offer families the option to record the funeral whereby they can choose to privately share the recording with whom they choose. Park Memorial can also livestream the funeral for families, whereby extended family and friends who are not able to attend, may watch the service live. We understand this creates further complications for famiies who want to gather together to express their grief over the loss of a loved one. We will be diligently working with you, our families, to determine the ways in which we can best make this work for you.


    Respectfully,


    Kirstie Smolyk

    Vice President and Owner

  • March 17, 2020

    The province of Alberta has declared a PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY as of 2pm today. Under the new rules, and EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, any gathering of more than 50 people must be cancelled immediately. This includes funerals. 


    Therefore, effective immediately, we can only allow 50 quests to be in attendance for funeral services whether in our facilities or elsewhere, which includes family members. As well, we will be unable to host any receptions in our Reception Centre for the forseeable future. 


    We are now required to use “social distancing” for people in our facilities and elsewhere. The provincial gathering restrictions now also apply to places of worship. Before we arrange services in a church, we will be required to confer with them as some are still allowing small gatherings or 50 or less to take place. Others are not.


    If you require assistance in planning a funeral, our funeral directors will walk through the various things we can do to assist, such as planning a private funeral by invitation only, and webcasting / live streaming the service to others, and/or making a recording of the funeral. 


    We remain committed to being able to provide services to our families who are experiencing a loss. We also want to reassure you that we have a number of ways to communicate, share information and provide services to you. Should you find it more convenient or preferable to reach us via phone, email, text messaging, or through Facetime, Skype or other online video application, we will do our best to help meet your needs. Please call us for more info at 780-426-0050. 

  • March 13, 2020

    The health, safety and well-being of our families, funeral attendees and staff are our first priority. As COVID-19 concerns increase in Alberta, we want to assure you that Park Memorial is taking proactive measures to help prevent the spread of any potential illness. We have been closely monitoring and receiving critical information from Alberta Health Services (AHS), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Centre for Disease Control (CDC), as well as National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC), Alberta Funeral Service Association (AFSA), and other relevant agencies in order to ensure we are kept aware of and aligned with best practices. Park Memorial is continuing to thoroughly clean and disinfect our buildings using industry-approved health care grade products. In addition to the standard funeral home cleaning and disinfecting, we have taken additional measures to pay particular attention to all high-touch surfaces within the funeral home. Our Edmonton office is equipped with fresh air fans to bring fresh air circulating into the building. We have also purchased IQAir filters that use HyperHEPA, which is effective against particles 100x smaller than what ordinary filters can stop. They also have a virus and bacterial removal efficiency of greater than 99.5 percent. Additional units will be added in the coming week. We have also increased our hand sanitizer placement around the funeral home for use by families and funeral attendees, each staff member is being provided their own pocket hand sanitizer, and staff members are being reminded about frequent hand washing. Park Memorial wants to reassure families that we are here to assist them in caring for their loved ones and we will continue to arrange funeral services during these uncertain times. Funerals help us process our most profound thoughts and feelings, while making a significant difference in helping us channel our grief toward healing. On March 12th, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced that Alberta is asking organizers to cancel any events that have more than 250 attendees, and to limit gatherings to only 50 people if that group will include seniors. In consultation with various agencies and carefully considering Dr. Hinshaw’s announcement, Park Memorial wants to reassure families that we will currently continue to provide the opportunity to gather and remember a loved one and proceed with funeral services as we know this is an important step in the healing process. Going forward, this means that we will be thoughtfully discussing funeral planning with each family to determine their needs, while also working to protect the health, safety and well-being of all involved. All funeral arrangements can be made via telephone and email should a family not be able to visit us in person. We have taken steps to limit the number of family members who physically come in to make arrangements. We are asking additional questions of families about their own health and the health of their deceased loved one. And this may also mean that some funerals must be limited to small numbers or become private events. We will also work to apply social distancing, with regard to seating at funerals, as best we can. Some families may also choose to proceed with burial or cremation now and to hold a gathering at a later date. Our own caterer is adhering to strict Alberta Health and Public Health Act regulations and codes in preparing food for our receptions. We are also restricting food that families can bring into our Reception Centre to only food from caterers who prepare food in an authorized, commercial kitchen. This catered food must be delivered directly to Park Memorial so that food handling is kept to a minimum. We are also providing the option to families to videotape or livestream from our funeral homes so that those family or friends at home are still able to view the service. From what we know, public health risk associated with COVID–19 is still considered to be low for Canada. To date, there are no known cases where the virus has been transmitted from one person to another at a funeral home, or from a deceased body. However, should you be feeling ill at all, are immune-compromised or live with someone who may be, we encourage you at this time to think about staying home and expressing your condolences in other ways. We know that things are changing on a daily basis, and we will provide you with up to date information as it becomes available. Please keep in mind that our recommendations and policies around COVID-19 safety may continue to evolve as the situation changes locally. Park Memorial will work to continue being a pillar of comfort and compassion in our community as we all move through this sensitive and uncertain time together. We are committed to providing our bereaved families and grieving communities a safe, healthy, professional and compassionate environment to honour their loved ones, while also keeping our own family of staff, and others, safe.


    Respectfully,


    Kirstie Smolyk

    Vice President and Owner

Find help to overcome this complicated stage of our lives.

Find more information below and learn more about how to protect you and your family during this pandemic, about how COVID-19 can affect funeral services, and how to cope with grief and other emotions during quarantine and social distancing.


By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. 20 Oct, 2021
As a long-time grief counselor and educator, I talk to lots of people about life losses of all kinds. What I’m hearing in recent months is that COVID-19 has become a daunting challenge for just about everyone. Not only have stay-at-home and work-at-home protocols isolated people physically and socially, but the uncertainty of illness, potential financial jeopardy and an unforeseeable future are making it hard for many to cope.
By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. 20 Oct, 2021
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re feeling anxious. A recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that 49 percent of adults reported feeling uncomfortable about the prospect of life returning to normal. That’s because we’re different now. That pesky word “normal” implies that we can get back to the way things were, that we can pick up right where we left off before the pandemic hit.
By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. 20 Oct, 2021
“Tell Me How to Grieve”
By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. 20 Oct, 2021
As a long-time grief counselor and educator, I talk to lots of people about life losses of all kinds. What I’m hearing in recent months is that COVID-19 has become a daunting challenge for just about everyone. Not only have stay-at-home and work-at-home protocols isolated people physically and socially, but the uncertainty of illness, potential financial jeopardy and an unforeseeable future are making it hard for many to cope.
By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. 20 Oct, 2021
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re feeling anxious. A recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that 49 percent of adults reported feeling uncomfortable about the prospect of life returning to normal. That’s because we’re different now. That pesky word “normal” implies that we can get back to the way things were, that we can pick up right where we left off before the pandemic hit.
By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. 20 Oct, 2021
“Tell Me How to Grieve”
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