Communities on 91原创 Island’s west coast are banding together to crack down on unauthorized camping, urging campers to make reservations and stay only at authorized campgrounds.
A joint statement from the communities said the west coast of the Island has experienced an “unacceptably high” level of illegal and backroad camping over the past two camping seasons that has had a negative impact on Indigenous territorial lands and highly sensitive surrounding ecological areas, including local aquifers.
“Our region’s natural amenities are a precious shared resource — misuse will no longer be tolerated,” said Tofino Mayor Dan Law.
Given recent record hot and dry summers, illegal camping increases the risk of wildfires, say the communities, noting beefed-up patrols are planned and tickets and fines may be issued.
Patrols will focus on unauthorized camping on the Clayoquot Arm, along the Kennedy Lake Watershed, within Tla-o-qui-aht, Yuu艂u蕯i艂蕯ath and Toquaht traditional territories, on municipal streets and lots, and within B.C. Parks and 91原创 Rim National Park Reserve.
Daniel Sailland of the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District noted there are no serviced camping sites on backroads along Kennedy Lake or highway pullouts, and “there is zero tolerance” for unauthorized camping and unauthorized overnight parking within all communities.
Reservations at west coast campgrounds fill up quickly, the group said, 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 or finding a campsite reservation in another community.
