Metro Vancouver reminds locals of park safety heading into weekend

With warm weather expected this weekend, plenty of people will be flocking to parks across the region, and the Metro Vancouver Regional District is reminding people to be safe.

Paul Brar, manager of regional parks for the district, says it’s going to be a busy weekend in the great outdoors. He says the district wants to encourage locals to be “safe and prepared.”

“Unseasonably hot weather can result in illnesses related to heat. So, we encourage people to bring lots of water, bring proper footwear and attire when you’re visiting a park, let people know where you’re going, and to check safety kiosks,” he said.

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Brar is also reminding people to be careful around rivers right now, as the unseasonably hot weather is causing rapid snowmelt at higher elevations. Although some higher alpine areas like the Grouse Grind remain closed because of winter conditions.

He says the district has plenty of park rangers that will be patrolling regional parks and ensuring people enjoy themselves safely.

Although drinking alcohol is allowed in some City of Vancouver parks, the Metro Vancouver Regional District prohibits drinking, smoking, and having a fire of any kind.

The first weekend of May saw some of Vancouver’s parks and beaches left worse than they were found, as crews had to pick up an incredible amount of garbage after the fact.

Brar says he wants to see people getting outside to enjoy nature, but taking care of the parks needs to be a part of that.

“Be mindful of the impacts that we as humans have on the ecosystem and ensure that they’re left in a state that is usable for all.”

“We do anticipate parking to be a challenge at some of our busiest regional parks,” Brar added. “So, we encourage everyone to use sustainable modes of transportation such as cycling, carpooling, taking transit, [and] planning their visits accordingly.”