Summer is on the way and with 40 beaches to enjoy the SCRD says they want to remind residents and visitors on how to properly enjoy them.
The district says maintaining the beach does fall into municipal jurisdiction, but it is part of each person who uses the beach, whether it’s a private or public beach, to ensure to make sure they enjoy them responsibly and provide worry-free atmosphere for others.
“The only thing beach users should be cleaning off their feet at the end of a fun, sun filled day is sand,” the district says. “Keep pets on leashes, and of course clean up after them, pack out what you bring in and leave no garbage behind.
“A bottle, candy wrapper or half eaten sandy jam sandwich can really ruin the beautiful beaches we have.”
They add making sure emergency vehicles have access to rural, or remote, beaches are also a factor in enjoyment and should not be taken lightly.
“In many beaches, parking is limited, and some popular accesses may have restricted zones,” they say. “To reduce congestion and allow access by emergency vehicles, local users might want to consider walking or biking to the beach.”
Fires on the beaches are permitted year-round, but the SCRD is advising anyone who decides to have one to check the local restrictions and adhere to guidelines laid out.
Gibsons is the only jurisdiction which doesn’t allow fires year-round because of the two SCRD rural areas.
When it comes to campfires in that region, Elphinstone and West Howe Sound will allow fires year-round but could be banned by the fire chief during high-risk periods.
The district adds Gibsons does not allow fires at any time.
For more information visit the SCRD’s website.
