BC Hydro opens some recreation areas, with more to come
Province and BC Hydro give cautious green light to camping
Campers across B.C. breathed a sigh of relief when May 25 arrived and BC Parks started taking reservations for campsites from June 1 on. Working with provincial COVID-19 health guidelines, BC Hydro has also started a staged approach to opening its recreation areas.
Day use of certain BC Hydro recreation sites was the first step, and as of June 1, camping is now being allowed at select rec sites across B.C. New safety measures are now in effect, including physical distancing, increased cleaning at rec sites, and limits to the number of visitors and the number of vehicles parked. Some popular recreation areas also have reduced hours.
BC Hydro rec site openings so far
The following sites opened in May for day use:
- John Hart (Canyon View Trail)
- Alexander Mackenzie's Landing boat launch
- Puntledge River
- Buntzen trails and washrooms only
- Pend d'Oreille boat launch
- Hayward Lake reservoir
- Ruskin Dam
Recreation and camping, where available, opened with restrictions in effect at the following sites on June 1:
- Alexander Mackenzie's Landing campground
- Shuswap River and Shuswap Falls, and Sugar Lake Dam viewpoint
- Ruskin Dam
- Stave Lake boat launch
- Strathcona Dam
- Pend d'Oreille campground
There are also plans to open other sites. Please see the latest information on all sites.
What we need from you at our rec sites
If you plan to visit one of our rec sites, please pay attention to the following guidelines and precautions:
- Stay close to home and only visit recreation sites in your community.
- Follow physical distancing requirements outlined by the B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer.
- Bring hand sanitizer to practice safe hygiene, as we can't guarantee availability of hand sanitizer at all locations.
- Take responsibility for your own safety, taking care to not touch surfaces unnecessarily and to wash hands and sanitize them frequently.
We're also asking everyone to take extra precaution around bodies of water downstream of our facilities. These are active generating facilities and water levels can change quickly and without warning. Please review all safety signage and keep away from restricted areas. Learn more.
BC Hydro visitor centres remain closed
Our popular visitor centres at Stave Falls, Revelstoke and W.A.C. Bennett Dam remain closed as we carefully review provincial health guidelines before opening. Each centre has its own unique reopening challenges with interactive, hands-on elements; supporting physical distancing for visitors; and conducting guided tours.
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