It has never been illegal to scatter ashes in Alberta, but the guidelines are intended to clarify how people can do so « respectfully and legally, » according to a government news release. But the government is asking people not to scatter ash near plants and water treatment facilities, or near recreational water. Some people want their ashes scattered in a place that makes sense to them. However, you should be aware that there may be some restrictions on where cremated remains can be placed. Dispersal of remains is generally permitted on Crown and Crown lands; However, there are some restrictions on national parks (such as Banff or Jasper), provincial parks, forests and wilderness areas (such as Kananaskis). There may also be municipal restrictions. Be sure to get permission in advance in all cases. Please ask your funeral director for more information. The Government of Alberta has developed updated guidelines where people can scatter cremated ashes across the province. A disadvantage of this type of ceremony is that you are often not allowed to fly on the plane with your loved one`s ashes. Some airlines allow you to pay extra for the flight, but the number of participants and seats are limited.

For families who have chosen to cremate a loved one, the next decision is what to do with the remains. Some choose to keep the cremated remains in their homes, place them in a columbarium niche in a local cemetery, or scatter the ashes in a meaningful location. Some important aspects to consider before scattering the ashes are: • There is no fixed place to visit, and if this is done on private property, you should keep in mind that it may be sold in the future. • There will be no markings or headstones. • The site may not be accessible or in the same condition in the future. However, the new guidelines suggest that « precautions should be taken to ensure that ash is not scattered near water treatment entrances and facilities or areas where recreational aquatic activities take place. » To plan an ash-scattering ceremony, it is important to understand what it is. For many families, the loss of a loved one leaves an impossible void to fill. However, through monuments such as the scattering of ashes and commemorations, healing can begin. When planning, these families should first consider their options for cremation prizes, funeral urns, and most importantly, seek local guidelines for conducting such ceremonies. Scattered gardens are becoming increasingly popular across North America. Many cemeteries have created beautiful, scattered gardens where families can spread the ashes of their loved ones alongside other members of the community.

These garden areas grow beautiful trees and flowers, have a solemn and tranquil setting, have seating areas for quiet reflection, and are surrounded by plaques and marks. Cremated ashes may be scattered on unoccupied land or provincial government waters, including provincial parks, without official authorization. An excavation ceremony is another popular ceremony for scattering ashes. A trench or hole is dug in the ground and the ashes are scattered there. At the end of the ceremony, the family covers the trench or hole. Excavation ceremonies are ideal for those who love gardening or nature. We have had many excavation ceremonies where the trench was dug under a tree or in a flower bed. Like a casting ceremony, you can become more creative. For example, we have seen heart-shaped trenches and trenches in which the initials of a loved one are spelled. An arithmetic ceremony often takes place in large gardens or flower beds. The ash is evenly distributed over a section of soil.

Often, each family takes turns raking the ashes into the ground, sharing a memory of the deceased with the other guests. Instead of throwing ashes on the water, we can hold a so-called water ceremony, where the cremation ashes are placed in a water-soluble urn. The urn is placed in water, it floats for a few minutes before it begins to sink and dissolve. At the end of the ceremony, guests often throw flowers, petals or wreaths into the water as a final tribute. However, make sure that flowers or wreaths can decompose easily. « Ashes » or cremated remains are human remains, so the funeral home will not store or dispose of them permanently. The funeral home can arrange short-term custody until the family has decided on the final decision. The common image most of us have of the scattering of ashes is a casting ceremony to scatter ashes, in which ashes are thrown into the wind or scattered on the surface of a lake, river or sea.

Whether someone is in charge of casting or it`s a group effort, pouring out a loved one`s ashes can be difficult.