Joint Provincial News Release

PACIFIC RIM, B.C. – Citizens of Vancouver Island’s west coast are asking all overnight vehicle and tent campers to make a reservation at an authorized campground before arriving on the West Coast, and to only camp at authorized campgrounds.

“The environmentally friendly and responsible way to camp in the region is to make a reservation at one of the many authorized campgrounds in the area” says Daniel Sailland of the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District “There are no serviced camping sites on backroads along Kennedy Lake or highway pullouts. Unauthorized camping along back roads creates unacceptable risk to our communities.”

The West Coast experiences an unacceptably high level of illegal and backroad camping. The disrespectful behaviours of some users have had a negative impact on Indigenous territorial lands and highly sensitive surrounding ecological areas including local aquifers. With some of the warmest and driest summers on recent record, unauthorized camping has also contributed to an increase in wildfire risk, which increases risk for our much needed first responders.

To help limit the visitor impact on this region, increased patrols and enforcement in 2023 will target dispersed and unauthorized camping within the areas of the Clayoquot Arm, along the Kennedy Lake Watershed, within Tla-o-qui-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔath, and Toquaht traditional territories, on municipal streets and lots, and within BC Parks and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Patrols on the West Coast will be communicating regulations and respectful camping practices, and where needed, they will be issuing tickets or fines.
Reservations at West Coast campgrounds do fill up quickly, so if campers don’t already have a reservation at an authorized camping area, they should find alternative arrangements such as booking a hotel or motel in the area, delaying their trip to the West Coast, or finding a campsite reservation in another community.

We look forward to welcoming well-prepared visitors to our beautiful region.

 

For media inquiries contact: 

Heather Thomson, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Communications Coordinator
email: ac.cb.drca@nosmohth

and/or

Daniel Sailland, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Chief Administrative Officer
email: ac.cb.drca@dnalliasd

 

Quotes:

“Unauthorized backroad camping enhances (the probability) for campers to stay for undisclosed amounts of time, putting stress on the environment and local communities. We may be embarking on a regionally dry summer; this requires more control and oversight on wildfire management and safety, to protect the natural habitat. We strongly encourage visitors to come prepared, whether for one night or a week, with accommodation when travelling to the West Coast.” President Charles McCarthy, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government

“I am privileged to live here, and I hope those visiting show respect to the region in all their actions. We are expecting you to.” Mayor Marilyn McEwen, District of Ucluelet

"I am proud that the West Coast communities have come together as a unified group to stop unauthorized and destructive backcountry behaviour. Our region's natural amenities are a precious shared resource - misuse will no longer be tolerated." Mayor Dan Law, District of Tofino

“Parks Canada works closely with local First Nations, the Districts of Tofino and Ucluelet, as well as local tourism organizations to ensure a memorable, safe, and respectful visit. Guardians, Junior Guardians, Beach-Keepers, Coastal Stewards and Parks Canada staff work together to encourage and promote respectful visitor behaviour. Parks Canada advises visitors to book ahead and recommends visiting Pacific Rim National Park Reserve outside the peak season when visitation to the area is lower.” Dave Tovell, Acting Superintendent Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

 

Contacts for Media:

Keegan McColl, Communications Coordinator, District of Tofino

President Charles McCarthy, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government

Saya Masso, Natural Resources Manager, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

taayii ḥaw̓ił Anne Mack, Toquaht Nation

Mayor Marilyn McEwen, District of Ucluelet

Dave Tovell, Acting Superintendent, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Vaida Siga, Area “C” Director, ACRD

Denise Stys-Norman, Executive Director, Tourism Ucluelet

Brad Parsell, Executive Director, Tourism Tofino