B.C. has given the go-ahead for a first-of-its-kind dedicated ash scattering site to be created at the Fraser Viewpoint on Tilbury Island in Delta.
“This site will provide a place for people to gather, respect the wishes of their loved ones and carry out meaningful cultural and spiritual traditions in the communities they call home,” Attorney General Niki Sharma said at an event at the site on Thursday (July 16).
The scattering of a deceased person’s ashes in running water is not illegal in B.C., but this is the first place specifically designed for the practice. Provincial permits were needed to build the site.
The City of Delta pushed for this so people could have a safe and respectful place to scatter ashes in flowing water, something which is part of many South Asian religious traditions.
“This project responds to a long-standing need of the community, and our government was proud to help support the creation of this site with the necessary permit,” Sharma said.
Delta Mayor George Harvie, who appeared alongside Sharma, emphasized the multicultural population of his city and the need to accommodate different traditions.
“One of my responsibilities as mayor is to ensure that every resident feels respected and valued, and able to observe the customs and traditions that are so important to their families,” he said.
Last Monday, Delta council approved $225,000 to immediately start work on providing safe access to the water’s edge at the site.
North Delta MLA Ravi Kahlon struck a personal note, talking about the difficulty his family went through to honour his father in the traditional way when he died five years ago.
“I remember thinking, why do we have to hide? Why do we have to do this in secret?” Kahlon said.
Sharma said the province is ready to assist other interested municipalities in creating similar places, and that Surrey has already expressed interest.
“So, more to come,” she said.