Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) will be opening Regional Park campgrounds on June 5, 2020 as per COVID-19 measures set out by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). Online registration for Island View Beach Regional Park Campground will open May 29. The campgrounds at Sooke Potholes Regional Park and Jordan River Regional Park are on a first-come first-served basis. Visitors are reminded that camping outside of the three official campgrounds is not permitted.

Some adjustments have been made in light of COVID-19:

• All sites at Island View Beach Campground will only be reservable with no first-come first-serve.
• Sites will be cleaned between occupancies. Visitors should consider bringing a cleaning kit with them to clean amenities around their campsite such as picnic tables and to practice proper hand hygiene while camping.
• The group fire ring at Island View Beach Campground will be closed. As per local municipal rules, there are no fires permitted on the beach
• We are reducing the regular capacity from seven people to six people per site to be in line with social distancing recommendations and to reduce group gatherings.

The CRD is calling for visitors to CRD regional and electoral area parks to demonstrate responsible use. Visitors must adhere to the orders and recommendations of the PHO to ensure social distancing. If you are sick, please visit another time. Consider staying local by choosing a park close to home.

The CRD will continue to have a more visible presence in the parks to encourage responsible parks usage by educating visitors about social distancing, monitoring visitor use and continuing to enforce park bylaws. CRD parks visitors can expect to see increased presence of park interpreters, park rangers and CRD bylaw officers.

CRD Regional Parks protects and has the responsibility to manage more than 13,000 hectares of natural areas in our regional parks on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. We recognize many families and individuals rely on our regional parks, and we need your support by continuing responsible use while visiting and camping in regional parks.

For updated information on the CRD’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.crd.bc.ca/covid.

Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492