Latest news with #BCParks
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Drone flown ‘dangerously close' to rescue helicopter in Squamish
Search and rescue volunteers in Squamish say a drone came close to interfering with their efforts to get an injured hiker to safety on May 31, 2025. (Image credit: Facebook/ssarteam) Squamish Search and Rescue is reminding people that flying drones in provincial parks is prohibited, after a close call during a rescue this weekend. Volunteers were called to First Peak in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Saturday to assist an injured hiker, according to a social media post. 'Given the steep terrain, several members were flown in with the support of Blackcomb Helicopters, and the subject was long line evacuated,' the Facebook post said. 'During the rescue, a drone was flown dangerously close to our team and the helicopter—between loads. It only moved after being signaled to leave the area.' The province only allows drones to be operated in its parks with explicit permission – which is rarely granted. 'Drone use causes noise pollution, disturbs wildlife, and can invade the privacy of other park users. It may also disrupt emergency activities, putting wildlife, park visitors, and B.C. Parks staff at significant additional risk,' according to the BC Parks website. 'Operating drones without permission is strictly illegal in all BC Parks. We appreciate drones may be useful in resource management and scientific studies, but we rarely grant permission for drone use.' Operating a drone is also illegal in national parks and near active wildfires. Flying a drone in a restricted area can result in a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 18 months in jail. People who fly drones in a manner that interferes with wildfire fighting efforts in B.C. can face fines of up to $100,000.
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Lil'wat Nation announces more closures at Joffre Lakes for 2025
Lil'wat Nation has announced further temporary closures at Joffre Lakes Park for 2025, following the April 25 to May 19 reconnection period. The popular recreation site will be closed to the public from June 13 to 17 and Aug 22 to Oct 23 as part of an ongoing partnership agreement between BC Parks and the Lil'wat and N'Quatqua Nations. During those times, both Nations will engage in spiritual activities and carry out cultural practices like hunting, fishing and harvesting medicines. 'Community members are getting to utilize areas where they were previously removed or denied access,' according to a release from Lil'wat . 'This reconnection is integral to the well-being of the two Nations' community members as they look for traditional methods to help cope with grief, addictions, suicide and mental health.' The Nations first employed these temporary closures in Joffre, known as Pipi7íyekw, in 2023 . The Nation said that the reconnection periods, carried out in conjunction with a joint provincial visitor use management strategy , are already 'demonstrating tangible differences' on the park's ecosystem. 'We are noticing the Whiskey Jacks are becoming less conditioned to approach people for food, and the Pikas are being seen in greater numbers without dogs visiting the park' says Casey Gonzalez, director of Title & Rights at Lil'wat Nation, in a statement. The Nations emphasized that they would like to see recreation and cultural land use prioritized equally, moving forward. They added that while efforts to reduce human impacts on the park—including daily visitor limits and mandatory day use passes during peak season—are being made, there is 'still much room for improvement.' 'These changes wouldn't happen if we don't assert our inherent rights,' said Lil'wat Nation's political chief Kúkwpi7 Skalúlmecw Dean Nelson. 'It's our responsibility as stewards to protect the land; it's been overused for too long by too many people.' Joffre Lakes Park has seen a massive increase in traffic over the last decade. The park reached an all-time high of 196,300 visitors in 2019, prompting the province to introduce the day pass system in 2021. As of May 17, day passes are required to visit Joffre. The passes can be reserved online at 7 a.m. up to two days before a planned visit on BC Parks' website .
CTV News
15-05-2025
- CTV News
Police issue warning after ‘concerning' cougar sightings near Victoria
Police in Saanich, B.C., are warning the public after receiving multiple reports of a cougar prowling residential areas near Victoria. The Saanich Police Department says its officers spotted the animal running through backyards in the 3800 block of Rowland Avenue, near the Uptown shopping centre, at around 10 p.m. Wednesday. In a statement, the department says it received several reports about the animal over a 24-hour period. The cougar was last seen on the Lochside Regional Trail through Swan Lake Park, between Darwin Avenue and Saanich Road, the statement said. 'The public is warned to use caution in this area as the behaviour of the cougar is concerning,' according to police. 'Do not approach the animal,' the statement said. 'If you encounter it, walk away slowly then contact 911.' Police say the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has been notified about the sightings. Officers are searching for the animal and urge anyone who sees it to contact police and the conservation officer service. 'Cougar encounters are extremely rare but can be deadly, with children particularly at risk,' BC Parks warns on its wildlife safety website. Anyone who encounters a cougar while small children are nearby is urged to pick up the children immediately and keep the cougar in view while backing away slowly. 'In the highly unlikely event that you do encounter a cougar, stay calm. Never turn your back on one and never run away. Your goal must be to show the animal you are a threat, not prey,' the parks office says. 'If the cougar shows intense interest or follows you, respond aggressively. Maintain eye contact, show your teeth, and make loud noises.'
CTV News
25-04-2025
- CTV News
Joffre Lakes Park temporarily closed for First Nations cultural practices
Joffre Lakes in B.C. is seen in this undated image. (Shutterstock) B.C.'s popular Joffre Lakes Park, also known as Pipi7íyekw, will be closed to visitors for three weeks starting Friday to give local First Nations exclusive access to their land. Officials say the closure is meant to 'provide time and space for members of the Líl̓wat Nation and N͛Quatqua to reconnect with the land and carry out cultural and spiritual practices.' The park near Pemberton - famous for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain views - has become increasingly busy over the years, prompting the need to manage visitor volume to protect the environment, BC Parks explained. The area will remain closed to recreational visitors through May 16. When the park reopens in time for the Victoria Day long weekend, all visitors over the age of 12 need a pre-booked day pass in order to enter. The passes are free and can be reserved online starting at 7 a.m. two days in advance. 'Since 2021, day-use passes have been used at Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes to ensure adequate and safe parking, and provide a more enjoyable, less crowded experience,' a notice from the province reads. Officials say the park will close again this season, but the dates have not been announced. Last year, Joffre Lakes was closed from April 30 to May 15, June 14 to 23, and Sept. 3 to Oct. 6. The Líl̓wat, N͛Quatqua and the province came to an agreement to close Joffre Lakes on those planned dates after the First Nations abruptly shut off access to the park in the summer of 2023, catching the government and visitors off guard. BC Parks says it has been collaborating with the nations since 2018 to implement a joint 'visitor use management strategy.'
