PRESS RELEASE: April 8th, 2020

Deputy Minister Jim Standen

Good morning: As of Wednesday, April 8th, 2020, we are closing all provincial parks until further notice. This action is being taken in response to the call for increased action to address the COVID-19 pandemic and aligning with federal and provincial experts requesting citizens to stay home. With the Easter holiday now upon us and the challenges posed by COVID-19 along with the expected influx of visitors, we feel it is beyond the ability of BC Parks to manage for physical distancing and general public safety. We feel this closure is necessary to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, employees, park operators and their staff, volunteers, and park contractors. Along with this, the spill-over to neighbouring communities raised concerns with citizens, local government officials, First Nations, and police along with a general concern with provincial parks overcrowding and the lack of social distancing. This temporary measure means that any activity involving the participation of the public is prohibited for the duration of the order. Park closures will be enforced through regular monitoring and patrols and anyone found in a closed park without a written exemption will be evicted and could face a $115 fine. A public notice will be issued when this closure is lifted, and regular public access and permitted operations can resume. BC Parks appreciates your understanding, cooperation, and support during this challenging time. Thank you, Jim Standen Assistant Deputy Minister BC Parks & Conservation Officer Service [email protected]

All trails at Sovereign are being tracked packed to eliminate the possibility to ski at this time. Please heed the requests of the government and limit any non-essential travel and activities at this time.

Take care and stay safe.

In support of Canadian efforts to minimize the transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Nordiq Canada in consultation with the local organizing committee at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Ski Club chose to cancel the 2020 Canadian Ski Championships, scheduled for March 25 to April 2. Nordiq Canada expressed gratitude for the significant amount of preparation work invested by the Organizing Committee – a volunteer group assembled with the Sovereign Lake Nordic Ski Club.

The safety and health of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and staff is, and always will be, of top priority. This decision was made in the best interest of our broader sport and local communities with regard to handling the situation we are all facing.

Having Sovereign Lake Nordic Club host the Nationals in 2021 was investigated, but Nordiq Canada explained they made an earlier commitment to Mont Ste Anne to be the host the 2021 Nationals and they felt it was in everyone’s best interest to honour that earlier commitment.

Sovereign Lake’s Organizing Committee wants to express disappointment in losing their opportunity to host Canada’s top Nordic skiers in their final race of the season. The event was carefully planned and we were ready to do an awesome job! The Race Organizers for Nationals 2020 received enthusiastic support from many local businesses, listed below, in providing cash and donations to make this event possible. We want to say Thank You!

We also want to express a huge thank you to the City of Vernon, and the Regional District of North Okanagan for stepping up and providing grant dollars to help make this event possible. We felt supported and we know we couldn’t make this event happen without all the support.

The Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Board has sorted out the next steps required to begin the Refund process. All athletes and coaches who registered for Nationals 2020 will be contacted by our Race Secretary and be refunded in accordance with the Refund Policy stated in the Race Notice. People who paid for Trail Passes and Banquet tickets will be refunded 100% of those purchases. The race registrations will firstly cover the administration costs and expenses incurred and then athletes will receive a percentage of their registration from the dollars remaining. All Sponsorship and Grant dollars will be reimbursed 100%.

Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Board is already working to make sure the energy behind hosting big events continues. They’re putting the Nationals 2020 disappointment behind them and actively working on hosting BC Provincial Champs in February 2021. This event is focused on our local provincial skiers and is the final competition for the season. Historically, the BC Champs attracts as many as 600 skiers in a 3-day event featuring both classic and skate technique races as well as an exciting Team Relay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BC PARKS Press Release: March 20th (2PM)

Provincial parks are a great place for people in B.C. to get out and enjoy nature, while following the social distancing directives from British Columbia’s provincial health officer (PHO).

While BC Parks is bringing in some new novel coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, people throughout B.C. will still be able to enjoy day-use parks as a positive way to connect to nature.

Some day-use services and facilities are currently available at the following provincial parks:

• Mount Seymour Provincial Park – access restricted to some lower-elevation trails. Parking and road access are closed.
• Cypress Provincial Park – access restricted to some lower-elevation trails. Parking and road access are closed.
• Goldstream Provincial Park
• Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
• Miracle Beach Provincial Park
• Wells Gray Provincial Park

“Nature provides the perfect environment to promote health and well-being,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “We are following the advice of the provincial health officer to help people get outside, while ensuring they are following the PHO’s direction and guidance to stay healthy. Our government is taking every necessary step to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We look forward to a time when we can return to full operations at our provincial parks.”

People will continue to be able to day hike and recreate in most all other provincial parks. However, there will be a temporary suspension of services and facility closures as a result of the ongoing provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Campgrounds and camping opportunities will be closed and existing reservations will be automatically refunded.

The temporary measures include the suspension of services at marine parks, visitor centres, nature houses, washrooms and day-use facilities. Provincial park visitors may continue to use trails and areas where accessible. Visitors should be aware parking lots in some parks may be closed and gated where necessary.

Provincial parks can attract large numbers, particularly those parks close to urban centres. Visitors should keep this in mind when choosing which park to visit. People are also reminded to keep at least two metres apart from each other during this time. In addition to social distancing, people may need to be extra patient and aware of their impact on the environment.

Full provincial park closures are also being implemented on a case-by-case basis, where required, to address concerns regarding health and safety. Visitors should be mindful that they are responsible for their own safety and that washroom facilities may not be available in most parks. They are asked to check the BC Parks website for any updates before heading out. Any changes to services at provincial parks will be posted to the BC Parks website: http://bcparks.ca

In alignment with Parks Canada, all campgrounds, camping opportunities and accommodations will be closed until at least April 30, 2020. Refunds will be provided to those with existing reservations during this time.

The Discover Camping reservation system has been suspended for all new reservations. No action is required for people with reservations to receive a refund. Refunds will be done automatically and are expected to take seven to 10 business days. A public notice will be issued once facilities are reopened and the system is able to accept new reservations.

Many tourism operators and other businesses have permits to offer services and trips within BC Parks. This closure may affect the availability of services provided by commercial operators permitted to operate in BC Parks. Park visitors are advised to check with them directly before visiting to determine if there have been any changes to their services.

BC Parks continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak closely and is following recommendations set out by the provincial health officer and minister of health to assess when to reopen facilities and services and return to full operations.

Learn More: 

For non-clinical information on COVID-19, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19

The latest information on COVID-19 protective measures is available through the BC Centre for Disease Control by calling 1 888-COVID19 or at: BCCDC.ca

BC Parks website: http://bcparks.ca

 

SOVEREIGN LAKE NORDIC CLUB CLOSING EFFECTIVE MARCH 20TH at 4PM