Item - 2021.IE21.19
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on May 5 and 6, 2021 without amendments and without debate.
- This item was considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on April 28, 2021 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on May 5 and 6, 2021.
IE21.19 - Creating Designated Waterfront Areas for Post-Funeral Rites
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted on Consent
- Ward:
- 20 - Scarborough Southwest
City Council Decision
City Council on May 5 and 6, 2021, adopted the following:
1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report to the May 25, 2021 meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the feasibility of creating designated areas for the scattering of ashes along the City's waterfront.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-166025.pdf
IE21.19 - Creating Designated Waterfront Areas for Post-Funeral Rites
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Ward:
- 20 - Scarborough Southwest
Committee Recommendations
Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:
1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report to the May 25, 2021 meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the feasibility of creating designated areas for the scattering of ashes along the City's waterfront.
Origin
Summary
In the 11 years I have spent representing Scarborough Southwest, it has been commonplace for people to conduct post-funeral rites (e.g. scattering of ashes, etc.) along waterfront areas, including parts of Bluffer's Park.
Conversations concerning such ceremonies have recently been brought to the forefront through coverage in various media outlets. Some park patrons have expressed environmental concerns regarding the disposal of non-decomposable materials associated with such ceremonies. Although I recognize the value of such concerns, I feel it is also important to recognize and respect that the scattering of ashes on water is a traditional practice for various cultures.
I believe the key to balancing these interests is through studying the creation of designated areas to conduct such ceremonies. Clear models for this exist in other municipalities, such as Pickering and Mississauga, and the City could benefit from studying such models to explore the feasibility of their application to our context.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-166025.pdf