MEDIA RELEASE April 8, 2020
qathet Regional District, B.C. – Effective immediately, all BC Parks are closed to the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This closure applies to all provincial parks and public areas including Saltery Bay, Inland Lake, Duck lake Protected Area, Desolation Sound Marine, 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.
The public is encouraged to enjoy parks and trails in the qathet Regional District, Tla’amin Nation and the City of Powell River in order to provide opportunities for our residents to stay healthy and active in our remote communities. People are reminded to practice physical distancing and keep at least two metres apart from each other when enjoying our day-use parks. Users are reminded to follow all recommendations and protocols as outlined by local, provincial and federal authorities when recreating in public areas and parks. Please keep appropriate physical distance from staff operating in day-use parks.
The Regional Emergency Operations Centre continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation. We understand that this is an evolving situation and will adapt our response based upon advice from public health officials.
Any change to provincial park access or services will be posted to the BC Parks website.
For status updates on RSTBC campgrounds, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/camping-hiking/sites-trails.
For up-to-date regional information on COVID-19 please visit qathet.ca.
CONTACT:
Ryan Thoms,
Manager of Emergency Services
#105, 4675 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
(604) 485-2260
rthoms@qathet.ca