Here's where you can scatter your loved one's ashes in the Fraser River

The City of Delta has earmarked up to $225,000 to cover the cost of upgrades to the foreshore at Fraser Viewpoint, where there is currently a reflective garden and seating area.

B.C. will soon install a dedicated site where family members can spread the ashes of their loved ones along the Fraser River. The ash dispersal site will be at Delta’s Fraser Viewpoint public park on Tilbury Island, and will include a gathering space to allow for culturally appropriate ceremonies and last rites “in a respectful, accessible and publicly supported setting.” “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,” Attorney General Niki Sharma said in a statement on Thursday.

“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.” The City of Delta has earmarked up to $225,000 to cover the cost of upgrades to the foreshore at Fraser Viewpoint, where there is currently a reflective garden and seating area. The province and the city jointly identified the park as a suitable location, with the province granting the necessary tenure to allow for the city to install improvements to the area.

Postmedia News has reached out to the province and the City of Delta to ask when the upgrades will be complete. The site in Delta is believed to be the first dedicated spot for ash dispersal on B.C. waterways, though the province has indicated they’re willing to collaborate with other municipalities to approve similar sites in other communities along the Fraser River. Ranjit Hayer, president of the Khalsa Diwan Society, said the project “is of major significance for all British Columbians, and especially the broader South Asian community.”

“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 (George) Harvie and Attorney General Sharma on their commitment in bringing this project to life.” By law, if an individual leaves behind written wishes for how they would like their ashes to be spread, that request is binding.

“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.”

In B.C., businesses relating to funeral and end-of-life services are regulated by the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act under Consumer Protection B.C. to protect families who are grieving. While the Act doesn’t restrict where ashes can be scattered, provincial or local bylaws may offer some guidance. “This means that ashes can be scattered in a variety of places, but you may need permission,” according to Consumer Protection B.C.

“Requesting the appropriate permission ensures you’re not scattering ashes on sensitive ecosystems that are protected by law.” Those looking to spread the ashes of a loved one should check if their chosen location is under the jurisdiction of a private landowner, First Nations, municipal, provincial or federal government.