Visitors reminded to stay away from Cultus Lake Park as long weekend approaches

It’s supposed to be a warm and sunny long weekend coming up, but you won’t be able to venture out to some parks over Easter.

The message was sent out Wednesday reminding folks that Cultus Lake Park is remaining closed to visitors as a result of COVID-19 and the need for physical distancing. The park has been closed since March 22.

READ MORE: Cultus Lake Park closed to visitors to help stop the spread of COVID-19

The announcement came on the same day that the provincial government closed all provincial parks.

READ MORE: B.C. closes all provincial parks for COVID-19 protection

At Cultus Lake Park, all public areas, docks, dog parks and facilities are closed and the gates at the parking lots are locked. Bylaw officers are patrolling the park, and visitors who do not observe the closure will be fined.

“We know that when the sun comes out, people want to enjoy it – but it is crucial that those who do not live or work in Cultus Lake Park stay away for the time being,” Cultus Lake Park Board Chair Joe Lamb said. “Our population tends to be a little older and this could mean that they are more vulnerable to this deadly virus. We want to protect them and everyone – and that means that visitors cannot come to the park at this time.”

Residents of Cultus Lake Park are asked to continue to adhere to physical distancing directives by provincial and federal health authorities and to stay a minimum of six feet away from others.

Additionally, Cultus Lake Park’s Sunnyside Campground is still not yet open for the season. The board and staff are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates to the seasonal campers in the days ahead.

READ MORE: Seasonal opening of Sunnyside Campground in Chilliwack delayed until the end of April

B.C. Parks is also extending the ban on all camping in provincial parks until May 31, after campgrounds and day facilities were closed March 24.

“We will continue to monitor the health authority and government updates and mandates and will open again, when appropriate,” Lamb said.