The City of Edmonton has decided to align with the Province's decision and allow the scattering of cremated remains in open waterways. This includes the North Saskatchewan River as well as any creek and ravine.
Through this change, we hope to give opportunities for Edmontonians of all cultural heritages to honour their loved ones.
The North Saskatchewan River, ravines and creeks are the only open waterways within Edmonton boundaries, and the only place the public can scatter cremated remains in the city. Scattering in closed waterways like ponds and lakes in parks and stormwater ponds is not permitted.
Closed waterways do not flow into open water and debris can build up over time.
This practice is open to everyone at no cost during park hours. For ceremonies with attendees of 50 or more, a permit must be obtained. Scatterings are only allowed from May to October due to safety around the North Saskatchewan River and ravines.
The City of Edmonton has a commemorative program that allows individuals to memorialize loved ones on parkland (benches, trees). However, it is under review. Any unauthorized memorialization like plaques or monuments will be removed.
The City of Edmonton offers this service at six municipal cemeteries. This includes memorialization options.
The City of Edmonton does not offer a service that supports this end of life ritual of scattering remains in a flowing body of water. Because of this, we are providing the opportunity to all families to scatter cremated remains in the North Saskatchewan River, creeks and ravines, the only open flowing bodies of water in Edmonton.
Scattering in municipal cemeteries continues to be a service that has been available for many years.
Please remember cremated remains should be completely pulverized to sand-like consistency prior to scattering and fully dispersed so there are no residues. It is important to have this conversation with your funeral director to ensure that the remains meet Alberta guidelines.