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HB NEWS COUNCIL DECISION ON SCATTERING CREMATED REMAINS DEFERRED MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@metroland.com Local residents are again rais- ing concerns about the religious offerings being illegally left be- Pai during rituals where cremated remains are scattered into the Credit Rive: The sensitive topic was back for Hindus and other religions mot ctthog acti isnot currently au- thorized on CVC-owned lands, or in parks in Brampton and Missis- sauga. WHAT ABOUT RELIGIOUS (RIVER) OFFERINGS THAT ARE OFTEN PART OF THESE RITUALS? The placement of river offer- on the Halton uncil agen- da Jan. 17 and vetoed at length. Ultimately, a staff report that rec- ommends maintaining the status quo was deferred to a later date for further discussion as the town endeavours to work with Credit y Conservation (CVC) for a watershed-wide ap- proach to the issue. SO ARE PEOPLE CURRENTLY ALLOWED TO SCATTER CREMATED REMAINS LOCALLY? rQ) Yes, the town's parks parks, and it's also al- lowed on Crown land and water. It's considered a tradi- bylaw permits this practice in Halton Hills tional part of end-of-life rituals Enjoy the freshest coffee delivered right to you! fruit, religious arti- Bee erie and belongings rohibited by the Halton us parks bylawat this time. But town staff says there have been incidents of river offerings being left behind. THERE'S A SIGN AT MCNAB PARK IN NORVAL ON THIS TOPIC. WHAT'S THAT ALL ABOUT? The sign explains the above details from the parks bylaw about what is and isn't permitted. It's part of {he educational ap. proach being take ipality, with town we recom, mending council approve the continuation of of this method to address the issue. The sign indi- cates that residents should call ROASTED IN HALTON SIE | Direct:from the Roastery. VV] Freshly. roasted:Specialty coffee PAs PY-\INZ-V aXe dale] at mane My (ol! | are lolol e Metroland file photo Signs in Norval's McNab Park educate visitors on what is and isn't permitted when it comes to scattering cremated remains and river offerings. the police hon emergency line or Service Halton Hills to report un- authorized activities. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CONCERNS THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THIS TOPIC? Director of Parks and Open Space Kevin Okimi said the big- gest concern expressed is about the river offerings not being good for the environment, inad- dition to worries that cremated remains will have an impact on the river. Kathy Gastle, who spoke on behalf of the Norval Community Association and Norval Women's Institute, told council the park signage isn't wo. "Sadly, now local residents must avoid broken m glass, broken pottery and human remains (at McNab Park),” shes said. She noted that calling the au- thorities when someone is wit- nessed breaking the rules at the park isn't a viable option as they leave quickly. HOW IS THE HINDU COMMUNITY RESPONDING TO THE CONCERNS? Pandit Sharma of the Hindu Federation — which has been working with the town to address. the issue — told council they're trying to educate people in the Hindu community on the annie and have posted inform: along witha tis list of dos and ee ‘e nn the group's website. He said the federation is also looking at adopti some parks, Thich would see members assist with regular cleanups. "I want to assure this council that we are considering all of the e a options,” he said. & HAS THE TOWN CONSIDERED ? PROHIBITING THE SCATTERING & OF CREMATED REMAINS? Hl z A report from Okimi explains = O- 5 leter- 2 practical to implement, as those = who choose to break the current 5 rules will likely continue to do so. The problem would remain, bits the signs would be different." - He noted that on extensive S eg public consult would be re wanted to change. SO WHAT'S NEXT ON THIS TOPIC? The matter was deferred to al- low more for councillors and staff to vieeuse solutions go- ing forward. Town staff is also turning to the CVC to see if it will consider revisiting its policy on the scat- tering of cremated remains and help with a consistent approach throughout the watershed. The staff report could be brought back as early as the Feb. 7 council meeting, but the time frame was left open-ended. aired if council implement this co <affiiiin. OPEN KITCHEN RESTAURANT AVAILABLE FOR DINE-IN (WHEN PERMITTED) TAKEOUT AND CURBSIDE. yom. YOU'LL LOVE OUR HOMEMADE BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER. REAI CHOICE 2021 We make all your favourites like Liver & Onions, Triple Decker Sandwiches and Home-made Burgers GEORGEVIEW OPEN KITCHEN [154 Guelph Street, Georgetown | (900) 877-201 1