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.