The B-C government is shutting down all provincial parks, saying even limited openings have proved “too challenging” to ensure safe physical distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Environment and Climate Change Ministry issued a statement this morning, saying the closure will also ensure people are heeding recommendations to stay home during the outbreak. The closure comes just days ahead of the Easter long weekend, when officials feared many B-C residents and visitors from out-of-province would flock to area parks. The parks system has also extended its ban on overnight camping until May 31st, meaning restrictions will remain for the Victoria Day long weekend, usually thought of as the unofficial first weekend of summer.
