The District of Mission and BC Hydro are teaming up to try and tackle the continued overcrowding and parking issues at Hayward Lake and Stave Lake this summer.
“Staff are working hard this summer to ensure that there is a safe and enjoyable visitor experience for those recreating in the area,” said Director of Forestry Chris Gruenwald. “We will be onsite to educate the public and will provide alternative areas when sites around Stave Lake are at capacity.”
A record number of people visited Mission’s local lakes and parks over 2020’s pandemic summer, with especially high volumes at BC Hydro’s Stave Lake boat launch and Hayward Lake Recreation Site, and the Stave West Forest and Recreation Area, according to a joint press release. This summer is expected to be no different.
Starting tomorrow, May 22, measures will be put in place to alleviate crowds and ensure provincial health orders.
- Site capacity will be limited to prevent crowds and ensure physical distancing at the Hayward Lake site.
- Boat launch parking will be reserved exclusively for boat launch users, ATV and other off-road vehicles will be required to park at the Rock Creek campsite along Florence Lake Forest Service Road (FSR).
- As FSR provides critical access to Stave West Forest and recreational areas for campers, recreational users, and emergency services, parking enforcement will be stricter around Hayward Lake Recreation Site and on the FSR near the Stave Lake boat launch – illegal parkers will be towed.
- More signs will be installed to indicate whether space is available at the campsites and boat launch.
- The “No Parking” signs along Dewdney Trunk Road will be enforced with vehicle towing.
The press release reminds residents that Hayward Lake Recreation Site gate does not open until 8 a.m. year-round, with the boat launch opening at 8:30 a.m.; space fills up quickly on sunny weekends, parking outside the site is not allowed and users should have alternate locations just in case; The Stave Falls Powerhouse is closed this summer, along with Hotties Food Emporio; and campfires must be in designated fire rings around the provincial campsites.
The Twitter handles @DistrictofMission, @BCHydro, and @Tourismmission will have the latest updates, along with bchydro.com/recreation.
“Please ensure that you are respectful to the land and natural environment and pack in- pack out all garbage,” says the press release.
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