The Cowichan Valley Regional District is reminding campers before the long weekend that certain parks and trails are closed to the public at night.
Patrolling and roadside checks are planned for the area from the Malahat Petro-Canada station in the south to the north end of the Nanaimo Airport, as well as from Saanich Inlet to the west at Bamfield.
Visitors will be informed of park rules at roadside checks, according to the CVRD. If it appears they intend to violate regulations and stay overnight where it is prohibited, officials may ask them to leave.
Partying and late-night camping in restricted areas typically spike during summer and fall long weekends, officials said. “Over the years, it’s become a bit of an issue,” said Duncan RCMP Cpl. Jon Stuart.
Chemainus River Forestry Pools is one of the areas where overnight camping, alcohol consumption, wood cutting and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
“It’s not designed for people to camp overnight,” Stuart said.
Offenders may receive tickets or charges or have their vehicles and equipment impounded.
Detachments also plan to continue bike patrols along the trail system throughout the summer.
