Our History
Community Alternative Funeral & Cremation Services was created to offer families a simple, dignified option at life’s most difficult moments. Our origins trace back to 2004, when longtime funeral director John Cunningham recognized the need for a more flexible, lower-cost alternative to traditional funeral care.
While the larger organization has evolved over the years — including building modern facilities and expanding service offerings — Community Alternative has stayed rooted in the same guiding idea: provide compassionate, straightforward cremation care without unnecessary formality or expense.
Today, Community Alternative focuses exclusively on direct cremation, continuing the purpose it was founded on: supporting families with simplicity, respect, and professional care.
We specialize solely in direct cremation — a dignified, no-service option for families who prefer simplicity or affordability, or who wish to honor their loved one privately or in their own way.
Our direct-cremation service includes:
- Professional, respectful care of your loved one
- All required documentation and arrangements
- Cremation without embalming, public visitation, or a formal service
- Return of the ashes to your family
- Clear, honest pricing with no pressure or upselling
Our mission is simple:
- Provide a dignified choice for families who want a minimal, affordable alternative
- Offer clarity and support so families aren’t overwhelmed during grief
- Handle the details professionally and respectfully
- Give families flexibility to honour their loved one in the way that feels right to them
We believe that end-of-life care doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.
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John Cunningham, Founder
John Cunningham has been an Ontario Funeral Director – Class 1 since 1985. He is the Owner and Managing Funeral Director of Community Alternative Funeral Home, and Ashburnham Funeral Home. He is also the founder and owner of Kawartha Aquamation, all located in Peterborough.John’s father’s family settled in the Warsaw area in 1831 and his mother’s family has been providing funeral services to Ontarians for 5 generations. John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Diploma with Honours in Funeral Service Education from Humber College. In April of 2014, John became one of a very few funeral directors in Canada to earn the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner.John currently serves as the President of the Ontario Funeral Service Association. He is the Chair of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario Aquamation sub-committee, and is a Charter member of 100 Men of Peterborough charity where he served on the Steering Committee for several years. He is a Past President of the Bay of Quinte Funeral Service Association, a Past Chair of Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada, and has been a member of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce since 2004. He is current Board member of Show Place Performance Centre in Peterborough, is a member of the Peterborough Estate Planning Council, the Bereavement Ontario Network, and serves on the Marketing Committee of Mapleridge Activity Centre.Volunteer activities have included Rotary, Caring in Action, James Strath School Council, and Activity Haven. John speaks to many groups throughout the year about various topics relating to funeral service and Aquamation.In October 2023, John was named the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Business Citizen of the Year. In 2024 he was inducted into the Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario Business Hall of Fame. In March of 2025, John was awarded the King Charles Coronation Medal for contributions to his community.In his spare time, John plays tuba with the Peterborough Concert Band, and Vintage Brass Quintet.
