Summary

• A culturally appropriate ash-dispersal site in Delta is a first of its kind in B.C.
• The site will offer a dedicated space for people to respectfully perform cultural last rites for their loved ones
• Guidelines are now available to B.C. municipalities on necessary steps they can take to launch other sites in their communities

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A first-of-its-kind ash-scattering site is coming to Delta, giving families and community members a dedicated place to honour their loved ones in accordance with their cultural, spiritual and funeral traditions.

“For years, people south of the Fraser, including many members of the South Asian community, have had to travel abroad or transport a loved one’s ashes overseas to carry out important funeral rites,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “This much-needed culturally respectful space will provide families with a meaningful place close to home where they can gather, reflect and honour their loved ones according to their traditions.”

What’s new

The City of Delta is upgrading parts of the Fraser Viewpoint, located on Tilbury Island, enhancing a public park that will include gathering space for the respectful dispersal of cremated remains in the Fraser River.

The project responds to a longstanding community need for a dedicated location where families can carry out cultural and faith-based funeral practices in a respectful, accessible and publicly supported setting.

"This initiative responds to the needs of our community through the formal designation of a space for gathering and reflection along our waterfront, honouring the diverse cultural and faith traditions of our residents,” said George Harvie, mayor of Delta. “The city is proud to invest in enhancements and improved accessibility for this site, ensuring it becomes a welcoming and dignified place for families and community members for generations to come."

The City of Delta is contributing as much as $225,000 for improvements to facilitate safe access to the foreshore at the park, which currently features a reflective garden and seating area. The Province worked with the city to identify Fraser Viewpoint as a suitable location and issued the tenure required for the creation of a park to Delta.

“This project is of major significance for all British Columbians, and especially the broader South Asian community,” said Ranjit Hayer, president, Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver. “People from all faiths will now have a dedicated gathering space to respectfully perform final rites for their loved one. I would like to thank Mayor Harvie and Attorney General Sharma on their commitment in bringing this project to life.”

Looking forward

The Province has published guidelines for municipalities that wish to establish ash-dispersal sites on Crown land in their communities. The guidelines outline the key considerations and steps needed to create these sites in a respectful and sustainable manner.

“For years, families in our community have had to fly their loved ones’ ashes overseas just to carry out proper last rites,” said Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North. “The new dedicated ash-dispersal site in Delta means they can honour their traditions here, at home, without hiding it or working around the rules. This is an important example of how communities can create inclusive public spaces that respect cultural and faith traditions.”

The Province is ready to work with interested municipalities to help facilitate permitting approvals and support the development of dedicated ash-dispersal sites in communities throughout B.C.

Quick Facts:

• Certain aspects of end-of-life arrangements and services are regulated in B.C. to protect people during a vulnerable time.
• B.C.’s Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act, administered by Consumer Protection BC, regulates crematoriums, cemeteries and funeral services.
• Funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries, as well as individual funeral directors and embalmers in British Columbia, must be licensed by Consumer Protection BC.

Learn More:

• To learn more about funeral rights, visit: consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumer-help/consumer-information-funeral-rights
• To learn more about crematoriums and cemeteries, visit: consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumer-help/consumer-information-cemeteries
• For more information about Consumer Protection BC, visit: consumerprotectionbc.ca
• For more information about ash-scattering sites on Crown land, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/AshScatteringGuidelinesBG.pdf