Vancouver beach logs make partial return after public outcry

Some logs are coming back to Vancouver’s beaches, more than two years after they were removed because of COVID-19.

Vancouver’s beach logs were initially removed at the start of the pandemic to discourage gatherings.

Earlier this month, CityNews reported that Park Board staff were not planning on bringing them back to pre-pandemic levels, sparking some controversy.

Donnie Rosa, general manager with the Vancouver Parks Board says the response from public was a big factor.

“I think it’s fair to say we’ve heard the public … we’ve listened,” Rosa said.

“What we want to do is find that blended balance. More logs are going out to English Bay right now. We will be going to the other beaches to add them in the places.”

Related links:

• Vancouver beach logs return for Celebration of Light

• Logs still missing from Vancouver beaches, more than two years after removal

In June, Park Board staff told CityNews it was keeping most of them away “in light of several learnings that arose from that change.”

It cited more space, easier cleaning, safety, and less chance of injury or infrastructure damage during extreme weather as some of the reasons for keeping the logs away.

“Since removing the logs, we’ve found there to be fewer needles, broken glass and other hazards. It also provides staff, Rangers and the police clearer lines of sight across the beaches,” the park board statement explained.

The Parks Board tweeted Friday that part of the reason they were bringing the logs back was in anticipation of the upcoming Celebration of Light fireworks display.

Log update: more logs will roll onto beaches in the coming weeks including at English Bay this weekend in anticipation of #CelebrationofLight. As this work is underway, we'll continue to consult with communities and residents to ensure the beaches are safe and accessible for all.

— Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (@ParkBoard) July 15, 2022

Most people walking along English Bay are happy to see more logs make a return.

“I walk down here just about everyday so – they’re slowly coming back, which is great,” one passerby said.

Another person thought the extra space wasn’t a terrible thing.

“Looks like it’s a lot more sparse than it used to be. But I like how it kind of offers a bit of privacy and a place to rest my back,” they said.

Related video: Where did Vancouver’s beach logs go?

While the Park Board has changed its tune, it’s not yet clear just how many more logs are coming back.

“This is one of those things where we’re trying to find that balance between what is the right number of logs and what is the right number of space,” said Rosa.

“Having the main row in the back was important to keep the sand in place and having the next rows sorted out so we can achieve both the safety and the operational efficiencies and the access to the logs. So that’s our goal now.”

Logs have been used as seating at Vancouver beaches since the 1960s after architect Cornelia Oberlander, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, came up with the idea and called up a park board commissioner.

With files from Hana Mae Nassar