BC Parks has closed Porteau Cove Provincial Park to enhance social distancing and stem the spread of COVID-19.
Park closures will be enforced through regular patrols, BC Parks said, and anyone found in a closed park faces a $115 fine.
“Due to ongoing concerns related to an increase in park visitors and people not complying with the provincial health officer’s requirement of social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19, we have made the decision to close Golden Ears and Porteau Cove Provincial Parks until further notice,” BC Parks said.
All trails, roads, day use areas, beaches, lakes, boat launches, and backcountry areas are closed to public access.
Last week, BC Parks closed Stawamus Chief Provincial Park and Protected Area, the Murrin and Shannon Falls provincial parks in Squamish.
Several other parks across the province have also been closed, including the Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.
These closures are in addition to a previous suspension of services and facilities in provincial parks, including visitor centres, nature houses, washrooms and day-use areas.
All campgrounds will also remain closed until April 30.
Parks throughout British Columbia are seeing an increase in visitors, but many people are not complying with the provincial health officer’s requirement to stay at least two metres away from others. This puts the most vulnerable populations at risk, government said.
