Trash left behind after busy weekend at Thetis Lake prompts reminder from CRD

Parks staff will look into a large amount of trash left behind after a busy weekend at Thetis Lake Regional Park, according to the Capital Regional District.

A beachgoer posted a photo they said was taken at the popular swimming spot Sunday night after most of the crowd was gone.

“Towels, cups, chip bags, pool noodles, clothes, beer cans, etc.,” they said, describing the mess left behind. “And this is just what I saw from the trail, didn’t investigate further.”

CRD spokesman Andy Orr said parks staff will follow up with the complaint and that the past weekend saw higher numbers of beachgoers at the lake as the weather heats up.

“Similar to 2021, park rangers and bylaw officers will have an increased presence at Thetis Lake Regional Park in an effort to reduce non-compliance with the park’s regulations, and to address hazardous behaviours (e.g., cliff jumping, drinking, etc.) before accidents can happen,” said Orr. “This reduces the burden on other municipal response agencies.”

Park rangers and bylaw officers spent a total of 1,360 and 957 hours, respectively, patrolling Thetis Lake Regional Park last summer, Orr said.

There were no major incidents or call-outs for municipal resources as a result, he added.

CRD Parks urges visitors to any regional park to “be respectful, follow ‘leave no trace’ principles and pack in/pack out,” said Orr.

Anyone caught littering in a CRD park could face a fine of $100, while anything considered illegal dumping could net up to a $300 fine.

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