Following cremation, you may choose to scatter your loved ones cremated remains. This means placing them somewhere, typically in nature, without an urn. Scattering can take place in Canadian Provincial Parks, National Parks, Cemeteries, or on Private Land.
Cemeteries will often have a “Scattering Garden”, a designated place for families to scatter cremated remains. Contact your local cemetery to discuss scattering options with them directly. Ensure you have received a Burial Permit and Certificate of Cremation from your chosen Funeral Home or Crematorium. The cemetery will request these documents prior to your loved one being laid to rest.
Some municipalities allow the scattering of cremated remains in local parks and golf courses. It is always best to speak to the owner of the land before proceeding with scattering. In national parks such as Banff and Jasper scattering cremated remains in water is prohibited, but they can be “cast to the wind”. In provincial parks, forests and wilderness areas scattering is allowed anywhere, but permission is required to scatter remains over rivers and lakes. (https://afsrb.ab.ca/site/old/boc)
Scattering of cremated remains is usually permitted on crown and other publicly owned lands.
Permission must be obtained ahead of time in all cases. Alberta Parks has a list of requirements to follow when scattering is chosen as a form of final disposition.
1.Cremated remains should be completely broken down prior to scattering. (No ferrous or non-ferrous metal products, metal identification disk, teeth, bone fragments or remnants recognizable as human remains should be visible)
2. Cremated remains should be fully dispersed such that no obvious remnants of scattering remain.
3. Only biodegradable vessels may be used when scattering cremated remains. No container, urn, or ancillary objects including but not limited to markers, plants, or decorations, may be left. (A scattering urn may be used) Cremated remains should be scattered to avoid developed areas or high public activity areas.
4. Cremated remains should be scattered to avoid the depositing of high concentrations in one location.
5. If a ceremony is to take place, it should not impede the enjoyment of others in a public setting.
6. Care should be taken to ensure that cremated remains are not scattered near drinking water intakes or recreational water activities, such as swimming areas.
7. In some locations and trails, group size limits may apply due to ecological sensitivities. Please note that for large groups wishing to hold ceremonies in a park or protected area, a special event permit may be required.
Check out the following link for even more information, https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/about-parks/alberta-parks-partnerships/scattering-of-cremated-remains/
Scattering or Bio-Degradable urns can be used when scattering is the chosen method of final disposition. Call us at Fort McMurray Funeral Home or more information about environmentally friend urn options 780-799-3388.
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