Victoria, BC –- The Capital Regional District (CRD) is reminding visitors to regional parks and trails to demonstrate responsible use in parks/trails and on beaches. With summer weather conditions in the region, visitor numbers are continuing to increase with many residents choosing to visit swimming beaches in regional parks.
Regional parks continue to see unprecedented visitation. From January to April 2021, CRD Regional Parks recorded over 2.7 million visits – more than 20% increase over the same time period in 2020.
This follows a record-setting year in 2020 when, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents turned to regional parks as safe places to recreate and connect with nature. Regional parks saw over 8.5 million visits last year – an increase of 13% from 2019, when there were 7.5 million visits.
If you are planning to visit a regional park this weekend, consider visiting your local park at non-peak hours to avoid crowded parking lots or choose less frequented parks. When visiting, please only park in designated parking spots. Parking illegally can block emergency access, create safety issues and potentially result in your vehicle being towed.
Visitors need to do their part to ensure responsible park and trail use, including:
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Share the beaches and trails.
- Be prepared for your visit during warm weather. Bring plenty of water when on the trails or in the parks, wear sun protective clothing, and seek shade.
- Swim safely. You are responsible for knowing your swimming abilities and avoiding dangerous situations.
- Only park in designated parking spots to ensure emergency vehicle access.
- If the parking lot is full and/or the park is busy, consider going to a different park or visiting at a quieter time.
- Consider choosing a park that you can access by transit or bike.
The CRD will continue to have a visible presence in the parks to educate visitors, monitor visitor use and enforce park regulations. Visitors to regional parks can expect to see increased presence of park interpreters, park rangers and CRD bylaw officers.
CRD Regional Parks protects and manages more than 13,000 hectares of natural areas in the capital region. We recognize many families and individuals rely on our regional parks, and we need your support by continuing responsible visitor use in regional parks so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit.
For more 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.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492