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I am of two minds on the BC Parks closure.
Firstly I recognize that park facility operators are put at additional risk, and this is a valid concern. I had hoped that they would find another way to address this.
http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/
Firstly I recognize that park facility operators are put at additional risk, and this is a valid concern. I had hoped that they would find another way to address this.
http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/
Second I had hoped that they would present some numbers to back up the extent of the risk to the public.
Does the number of people visiting parks and hence exposing each other to COVID-19 exceed the number of people working in (let's face it) non essential construction projects?
Does the number of people visiting parks and hence exposing each other to COVID-19 exceed the number of people working in (let's face it) non essential construction projects?
In many ways the short sighted closure of parks led to this predictable outcome.
As city parks, beaches, trails, recreation areas like Buntzen, and then the busiest parks like Seymour, Cypress and the Chief were close it was inevitable that people would crowd the remaining parks
As city parks, beaches, trails, recreation areas like Buntzen, and then the busiest parks like Seymour, Cypress and the Chief were close it was inevitable that people would crowd the remaining parks
This is a vicious cycle - each closure adds more pressure to the remaining recreation areas.
The obvious outcome to this move will be the total closure of BC's backcountry - which as we know is precedented by a mid-2000's fire season ban.
The obvious outcome to this move will be the total closure of BC's backcountry - which as we know is precedented by a mid-2000's fire season ban.
There's also the risk that these closures will lead people to go further afield, and while they may not think they are taking on additional risk, going to unfamiliar areas with trails that might not be maintained and marked as well does entail more hazard.
I have also observed more people riding dirt bikes and boating than ever before.
When the choices are limited, more people will be forced to do the remaining activities. This will create crowding on the water, at boat ramps, and will have unintended knock-on effects.
When the choices are limited, more people will be forced to do the remaining activities. This will create crowding on the water, at boat ramps, and will have unintended knock-on effects.
Rather than *closing* areas, we should be working harder at giving people SAFE OPTIONS on where to get out and take a break from the tension and stress induced by all of the disruption and uncertainty the pandemic is causing.
Finally I will add - while we're worried people will go to less developed places and get into trouble, so far there does not appear to be a spike in SAR call voilume.
That could change this weekend, it's hard to say.
That could change this weekend, it's hard to say.
It's important to note SAR teams stand read to rescue anyone no matter where they are.
