Man’s best friend will not be allowed on some beaches in Parksville for a brief period of time.
The City of Parksville says dogs — either on-leash or off-leash — will temporarily not be allowed at Rathtrevor Beach and Parksville Bay Beach in order to protect migrant Black Brant geese that nest along the shores.
“Our beaches provide an abundant food source for the geese, which need to gain weight and strength before making another non-stop flight. A disturbance caused by something as simple as a child running on the beach can have drastic effects on the geese while feeding,” the municipality said in a press release on its website.
Rathtrevor Beach will be closed beginning Feb. 15 until April 30. Parksville Bay Beach will be closed from March 1 until April 30. These beaches are located within the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area (PQBWMA) and Rathtrevor Provincial Park, which both have year-round rules and restrictions around dogs and pets at the beach.
The temporary beach closure to dogs is an annual occurrence in Parksville.
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