I received this reply today
Hello,
Thank you for asking about Dewdney boat launch as it relates to the Province’s designation of fishing and hunting as an essential service. The Province has released guidelines and regulations related to including fishing and hunting as an essential service at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing-and-hunting-covid-19-updates. A key guideline from the Provincial Health Officer is that British Columbians have been asked to halt all travel within the province that is not essential, especially to smaller communities which includes rural properties. Dewdney Regional Park is situated in a rural setting and traveling to this boat launch for sport fishing is not essential. As well, the FVRD is not aware of any launches in the general vicinity that are open e.g. Mission and Kilby Park. As a result, if this park were to be opened it is anticipated to be extremely busy and therefore not in keeping with the recommendation that people avoid travelling outside of their communities for recreation purposes. This website also lists several COVID-19 orders and guidance to fish or hunt safety and if all of them can not be met then people are not supposed to go fish or hunt in that area. These include:
× Only fish and hunt with members of your family or others you are living with
× Stay 2 metres (6 feet) from other people you come across
× Do not share vehicles with individuals outside of your family or others you are living with
× Fish and hunt locally
× Wash your hands often, especially around communal areas such as boat ramps, gates, etc.
× Follow all travel advisories and self isolation requirements
× Follow all municipal, First Nation community, provincial and federal closures (e.g. parks, infrastructure, etc.)
Even though fishing and hunting is an essential service it is to align with government and Indigenous closures.
Appreciate your question,
David
Author
Topic: Dewdney launch (Read 1298 times)