If you are from outside Delta, don’t plan on visiting the cities Metro Parks.
“If you are from outside the area, don’t come, you will be turned around,” said Mayor George Harvie during Thursday’s virtual town hall. “That sounds bad, but in these times it is absolutely necessary.”
People looking to enjoy the outdoors are getting this reminder from Delta officials as well as Metro Vancouver.
Following the closure of Boundary Bay Regional Park and Deas Island Regional Park over the Easter long weekend, Delta asked Metro Vancouver on Wednesday to open these two parks with limited access.
According to Delta, to avoid the potential for large gatherings, the parking lots for both parks will remain closed. Additional parking limitations will be implemented in Boundary Bay for safety and parking regulations will be actively enforced.
“Our top priority is always public safety,” said Harvie. “We needed to close Metro Vancouver’s destination parks in Delta ahead of the long weekend to avoid gatherings that would spread COVID-19. Now we hope we have found a compromise where local residents will still be able to safely make use of these parks. I want to thank the vast majority of people for practicing safe physical distancing in parks and throughout the community. It is important that we continue to do this.”
Metro Vancouver staff will be monitoring the parks to ensure patrons practice safe physical distancing, while Delta staff in conjunction with mayor and council will continue to evaluate its approach.
During Thursday’s virtual town hall, Harvie said traffic control measures will be in place to ensure that Boundary Bay is safe and accessible to residents.
Delta police Chief Neil Dubord said officers will be in the area just like they were over the Easter long weekend.
“Officers will be in place between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with the whole idea that we restrict people who are trying to drive into Boundary Bay and Centennial Park and try and park their vehicle,” he said. “With the parking lot closed we would like to see people cycle in or walk into the area, enjoy the park, the dyke and the paths, but make sure we don’t have the congestion and it is safe for residents and emergency vehicles.”
