BC Parks isimmediately closing all provincial parks in response to the widespread call for increased action to address COVID-19.
According to the regional emergency operations centre, this closure applies to all provincial parks and public areas including Saltery Bay, Inland Lake, Duck Lake protected area, Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park, Malaspina, which includes northern portion of Sunshine Coast Trail, Copeland Islands, Okeover Arm, as well as Hardy Island, Mitlenatch Island, Harmony Island and Jedidiah Island marine parks. Regional and city parks will remain open for day use only.
According to a directive on the BC Parks website, the parks have been closed and this includes all associated access, such as trails and parking lots.
This decision has been made to ensure the continued health and safety of BC Parks visitors, employees, park contractors, volunteers and partners, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to a statement on the website.
According to a media release from BC Parks, the closure responds to federal and provincial directives that people should stay close to home to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk. This temporary measure means people should not be going to provincial parks until further notice.
“Because physical distancing works, it is critical that we take every action needed to restrict the spread of COVID-19. This applies to British Columbians and out-of-province visitors who were planning to visit or stay at our provincial parks. The message is clear: stay home, avoid travel, do not put yourself or others at risk,” stated BC minister of environment and climate change strategy George Heyman in the media release. “I understand and share the love people in British Columbia have for the outdoors and the connection between health and proximity to nature. We tried to provide safe space for people to get some exercise and fresh air in our beautiful parks, but it has proven too challenging to maintain safe distance between visitors. This action is difficult but necessary. We look forward to the day we can welcome people back to our wonderful parks.”
The decision to close the park system is informed by continued feedback from RCMP, local government, first nations, local search-and-rescue organizations and the general public. While many people are observing the physical distancing requirements set by the provincial health officer, some continue to ignore the order, making enforcement in a wilderness setting challenging, according to the media release.
The timing of this decision is important given the upcoming long weekend and beginning of the busy season for outdoor recreation and camping. BC Parks is also extending the ban on all camping in provincial parks until May 31, 2020, in alignment with neighbouring jurisdictions and the temporary closure of Canada’s national parks. Refunds for bookings up to May 31 will be sent automatically.
