Meadowvale Cemetery
Section 14
In 2012, Meadowvale Cemetery opened the first dedicated natural burial section within Mount Pleasant Group, marking a major milestone in environmentally conscious end‑of‑life care. As cremation and green practices grew in public interest, Meadowvale became the pioneer site where families could choose a simpler, gentler way to return their loved ones to the earth, without embalming chemicals, burial vaults or non‑biodegradable materials.
Nestled within a serene meadow-like landscape, Meadowvale’s natural burial area was intentionally designed to feel undisturbed and connected to nature. The grasses are left to grow naturally, pathways are soft and unmanicured, and wildlife freely moves through the space. Rather than individual monuments, names are placed collectively on central granite features, creating a shared sense of community and honouring the land’s natural rhythm.
By opening this section, it became the first natural burial space in the Greater Toronto Area, offering families an accessible, environmentally responsible alternative and establishing a model later followed at Duffin Meadows Cemetery in Pickering.
Today, Meadowvale’s natural burial section continues to reflect the values of simplicity, sustainability and reverence for the natural world. It invites visitors to reflect not only on memory and loss, but also on our relationship with the environment, reminding us that even in the final chapter of life, care for the earth can be part of the story.
Source:
• Mount Pleasant Group – Natural Burials
Photos courtesy of Mount Pleasant Group
