Funeral and celebration of life celebrants in Ottawa

Can you scatter ashes in an Ottawa park?

Only in an area the City has designated, and with its approval. Ottawa's Parks and Facilities By-law (No. 2025-251) says no one may scatter cremated remains in a City park or facility except in areas designated and approved by the City. Contact the City before planning a scattering in a park.

Elsewhere, Ontario's rules apply. You may scatter ashes on unoccupied Crown land, including land covered by water, where no sign prohibits it, and on private land with the owner's consent. You can also buy scattering rights in a registered cemetery.

Where can you hold a celebration of life in Ottawa?

The City of Ottawa rents out hundreds of spaces for gatherings, from halls and meeting rooms to theatres and gardens next to museums and centres. Use the City's rental search tool to find a space, then fill in the booking request form. This doesn't commit you: a booking clerk contacts you to follow up.

For a gathering outdoors, City parks are booked through the Parks Permitting Team (parks@ottawa.ca, 613-580-2595), which accepts applications between February 1 and October 31. Under the parks by-law, you need a permit to put up a tent or use a sound system, and permit holders must carry at least $2 million in liability insurance naming the City.

How can you remember someone in an Ottawa park?

The City's Tree Dedication Program lets you dedicate a tree to someone you have lost. A personal dedication costs $995 plus HST, covering the tree, its planting, three years of watering and a tag with the name and year, with a $150 deposit to hold the spot. You choose the site and species on the City's map. Apply by February 1 for spring planting or by July 1 for fall (treededication@ottawa.ca).

A new commemorative bench in a City park is estimated at $6,400 to $6,900, HST included, with a $2,500 deposit (CB_BC@ottawa.ca). Plaques are translated into French by the City. Some places, such as Andrew Haydon Park and National Capital Commission parks, aren't eligible.

Who registers a death in Ottawa?

Usually the funeral director, on the family's behalf. The death is registered in person at a City Client Service Centre, and the burial permit is issued once it is registered. The City's registration fee is $54 in 2026. When a burial permit is needed right away, for example for religious reasons, the City can process it after hours.

When is a celebrant a good fit?

When you want a ceremony that feels like the person, wherever it takes place. A celebrant from our local network comes to the place you choose in Ottawa, whether a funeral home, cemetery, park, hall or home, and writes the ceremony around the person's life, religious or not. With Celebrance, the price is shown upfront, all-in, and if the celebrant becomes unavailable, we find a replacement.

Information checked on September 24, 2026 against official sources from the City of Ottawa and the Province of Ontario. Rules and fees can change: confirm with the City before you plan.

Sources: ottawa.ca: parks and facilities law no 2025 251 · ottawa.ca: overview · ottawa.ca: find rental space and begin rental process · ottawa.ca: city ottawa parks · ottawa.ca: tree dedication program · ottawa.ca: commemorative benches · ottawa.ca: registering death · ontario.ca: arrange funeral burial cremation alkaline hydrolysis or scattering