Due to dry weather conditions and an extreme fire hazard rating, a smoking ban for Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) parks will be in place starting at 10:00 am on July 27, 2018. This includes all parks with forested trails. Increased park patrols will also be added as the park bylaw was recently updated with the authority to fine people found smoking in the parks $500.
We ask for public compliance with this ban as a forest fire can cause irreparable damage to forest ecosystems and put nearby adjacent homes at risk. Goose Spit beach area and Royston Marine Drive picnic area are two CVRD parks exempt from the smoking ban due to a park steward onsite at Goose Spit and less vegetation at the Royston picnic area.
Many parks are in a wilderness setting but just behind the trees are family homes. A cigarette butt or illegal fire could ignite with just the slightest change in wind. Use your common sense and protect your parks and neighbours. A provincial campfire ban in the region has been in place since July 18, 2018.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contact:
Mark Harrison, Parks and Active Transportation Planner
250-334-6067