Pickering Cremation Ashes Disposition Site – Restoration Project

The Hindu Federation, an umbrella organization that counts among its members, the major

Hindu temples in the GTA, has determined that the identification of Cremation Ashes

Disposition sites is one of its major long-term goals. To this end, it has been successful in having

the following sites officially approved:

 Peak Trail Open Space, at the bottom of Squires Beach Road, City of Pickering

 Bronte Provincial Park, Town of Oakville

 Directions to the sites can be obtained from the Hindu Federation website at

 www.hindufederation.ca

The City of Pickering is the first Municipality in the GTA that designated a site (Peak Trail Open

Space) where cremated ashes can be scattered in a dignified way by Hindus and other faith

groups which practice cremation as a last rite. Peak Trail Open Space was adopted by the Devi

Mandir (located in Pickering) in 2012. The Devi Mandir has been a long-standing member of the

Hindu Federation. The park includes the AUM symbol of peace, an adoption plaque of the Devi

Mandir, memorial park benches, and an Ash tree that overlooks the lake.

The land on which Peak Trail Open Space is located is owned by Toronto and Region

Conservation Authority. The adjacent shoreline has deteriorated over the past few years due to

abnormally high lake levels. A restoration project was deemed necessary and its fruition this year

was the culmination of years of coordination, focus and collaboration among the Hindu

Federation, Toronto and Area Conservation Authority, the Town of Ajax and the City of

Pickering. The Hindu Federation was successful in securing funding of $19,000 from the Lotus

Funeral and Cremation Centre to cover the cost of the restoration project.

The first phase of the restoration project commenced on May 13, 2021 and lasted two days. The

objective was to plant selected trees and shrubs with very dense and rapid root systems along a

defined outer edge of the park. This was to allow these root systems to mesh and tighten in a

manner that will both strengthen the shoreline and mitigate further loss.

Prayers were offered to Ganesh Bhagwan by the AUM sign before planting commenced, in what

were ideal conditions. Our scriptures and traditions are deeply rooted in environmental

stewardship and, in keeping with these teachings, it is important that the park be used in a

manner that is sustainable.

Due to seasonal requirements for planting, some controlled species of trees (such as live willow

stakes) will be planted by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in the final phase of this restoration project in October of this year.