Cremation Ashes

Background

The Hindu Federation has worked over a long period of time with the Provincial Government and the

different Conservation authorities to address the need for the disposition of cremation ashes. The then

Honorable Minister, Harinder Thakar, Minister of Government Services, had announced in June 2009 at

Pickering’s waterfront that Ontarians may dispose of cremation ashes on Crown land and water, such as

in Provincial Parks, Conservation areas and the Great Lakes. It was clearly outlined that the disposition of

cremation ashes in bodies of water would have no adverse effect on the eco system.

Current status

The Hindu Federation has been successful in having the following sites officially designated for the

disposition of cremation ashes:

Pickering

Peak Trail Open Space (at the bottom of Squires Beach Road). This Park was adopted by the Devi

Mandir, a long-standing member of the Hindu Federation.

Directions are as follows:

From the 401, exit at Brock Road and head south

Make a left at Bayly Street

Make a right at Squires Beach Road

Make a left at the end of Squires Beach Road and follow the road to the end

Park in the parking lot and look for the AUM sign

Take the gravel ramp down to the lake

This site has suffered from shoreline loss, due to rising water levels. After discussions with Toronto and

Region Conservation Area (TRCA), which owns the land, the planning of a restoration project was started

during 2020 by the Hindu Federation. Funding has been secured by the Hindu Federation, as TRCA does

not have the budget to finance the cost of the restoration. The restoration work will commence in May

2021.

Lake Ontario

The Hindu Federation has an understanding with Harbourfront Centre Sailing and Power Boating, 275

Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M 5V 1A2, Tel: 416-203-2000, Fax 416-203-8000, whereby devotees

can call the boating company and make arrangements to dispose of cremation ashes in Lake Ontario.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville, ON

Half Moon Valley Trail

Directions are as follows:

From the QEW, take the Burloak Drive exit and head north

The entrance to the Park is about 1 km on the right

Head to Parking Lot “F”

Follow the signs to Half Moon Trail and this will take you to the Ashes Disposition Site

McNab Park, Norval, Town of Halton Hills, ON

Directions are as follows:

From Highway 401, exit at Trafalgar Road and head north

Make a left into 17th Side Road

Destination is just past 6th Line

Puja Remnants

TRCA has identified the disposition of puja remnants in bodies of water around the GTA as an issue, and

requested a meeting with the Hindu Federation in late 2020. This has been deferred due to the impact

of COVID-19.

The Hindu Federation had previously issued a flyer with best practices to member temples. This will be updated after the meeting with the TRCA.