Surrey council backs plan for multi-million pier for scattering ashes

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Surrey city council has approved a staff plan to build a pier for scattering ashes along the Fraser River.

On Monday night, council supported the plan that will see either a $3.8 million pier constructed at Brownsville Bar Park or a $2.5 million pier at the Surrey Public Wharf.

“Our community deserves a space where families can honour their loved ones in a meaningful way,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Designating a pier for ash scattering respects cultural practices that are intrinsic to the grief and healing process.”

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According to the staff report, the city’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Department began working on a pier plan in 2021 and at one point was looking at Tannery Park and the 28A Greenbelt as possible sites.

“Following a preliminary review, the Tannery Park and 28A Greenbelt sites were not explored further due to the complexity of the sites and the anticipated higher costs associated with building a pier at those particular locations,” the report states.

“Conversely, both Brownsville Bar Park and Surrey Public Wharf were assessed as locations that can accommodate space (at lower costs) for families seeking a peaceful and private moment to ensure the dignity of bereaved community members while minimizing the risk of user conflict on Surrey’s waterfront.”

Brownsville Bar Park is along the Fraser River on Vancouver Fraser Port Authority land between the Pattullo and SkyTrain bridges and is the only park in Surrey with a sandy beach. The Surrey Public Wharf is on city land along the Fraser River at the north end of 130 Street.

The City of Surrey has a “scattering garden” at Sunnyside Lawn Cemetery but it is against local laws to scatter ashes in public parks.

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Council heard the proposed pier could have designated times for ash scattering and booking/reservation options to allow for other park visitors to utilize the pier at other times for other purposes.

Council has asked parks and recreation staff to seek formal approval from appropriate provincial and federal authorities, speak with other municipalities that have implemented ash scattering in their waterways and consult with Consumer Protection B.C., which regulates cemetery and funeral services in B.C.

Parks staff will present its final plan to council in 2025.

dcarrigg@postmedia.com

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