Saskatoon City Administration has a possible location for scattering cremated remains by the riverbank.
Back in July of 2021, the City of Saskatoon created guidelines for those who want to scatter ashes in the river after a request from the Sikh and Hindu Societies of Saskatchewan, and the work continues on a possible dedicated location south of Meewasin Park.
General Manager Lynn Lacroix told the Planning Development and Community Services Committe Wednesday that the chosen riverbank area is close to Meewasin Trail, has parking, is near restroom facilities and is also away from traffic and nearby noise. The committee approved that administration bring the consideration forward in the 2024/25 budget deliberations with a plan to construct a dedicated scattering location, which could include the possibility of donations from the community or various organizations. It still has to be approved by City Council.
The site would be open to anyone who wishes to use it, and would provide a designated, landscaped space to perform the scattering of ashes and any ceremony connected to that, while being separated from other park users. It’s expected there would be a booking process for the site.
Lacroix notes that in July of 2021, it was made official that ashes could be scattered outside of a cemetery if guidelines are followed.
Guidelines:
The scattering of cremated remains within the boundaries of the City of Saskatoon, outside of a cemetery, is permitted by the City subject to these guidelines and any applicable provincial and federal legislation. When scattering cremated remains in these locations, please consider the impact to the public and the environment.
1. Scattering is only permitted in the South Saskatchewan River and only from May 1 to October 31.
2. Scattering is not permitted within 200 metres upstream of a water intake.
3. Scattering must not be done close to high public activity areas.
4. The City does not condone entering the river; individuals do so at their own risk.
5. If vessels and ceremonial items are to be used, they must be biodegradable (i.e., real flowers).
6. Remains must be completely pulverized and no bone fragments or remnants recognizable as human remains may be visible.
7. Only a small, ceremonial amount of remains may be scattered.
8. Permanent forms of memorialization must be completed through a cemetery.
9. Individuals are responsible for complying with all applicable federal or provincial requirements when scattering cremated remains.
Where cremated remains are scattered following these guidelines, no permission is required. These guidelines do not replace any requirements that may be established by federal or provincial laws.
