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Extremely dry conditions call for important reminders

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 8, 2017 11:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo would like to remind all park users that smoking, campfires and barbeques are not permitted in City parks. No smoking signs are posted but this important reminder is required as the extremely dry conditions persist, despite the light rainfall.

Propane barbeques set on low flame are permitted within the approved locations of the picnic shelters in Bowen Park and Maffeo Sutton Park. For further details or clarification on propane usage in the parks, please contact Nanaimo Parks and Recreation at 250-756-5200.

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking responsibility to be an excellent municipal government

Key Points

  • The City encourages all users of the parks and trails systems to use extreme caution when in the parks and on the trails, and to be aware of all fire hazards.
  • To report a fire in a City of Nanaimo park or trail, please call 911. To report a wildfire, please call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.

Quotes

"Many of our parks and trails are not irrigated which means vegetation is very dry. We would like to remind park users that smoking is not allowed at any time during the year in our parks so as to ensure the enjoyment and safety of Nanaimo's parks for everyone."

Richard Harding
Director, Parks & Recreation
City of Nanaimo

"Remember, fires can quickly start and spread in this extreme dry weather. We can anticipate our fire ban will remain in effect until a sustained amount of rainfall occurs and soaks the top layers of the ground and the Coastal Fire Centre determines that the risk is sufficiently reduced."

Karen Fry
Fire Chief
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • The City Bylaw 2008 No. 7073 states: No person shall smoke anywhere on all City managed recreation properties including: trails, plazas, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities; except in designated smoking areas. Section 3.28 states you cannot smoke contrary to any posted signs.
  • Bylaw and RCMP may issue a $150 fine to anyone caught smoking in the parks.
  • The Nanaimo Fire Department has responded to 138 brush and bark mulch fires this year with 50 percent occurring in July and August.
  • We diligently sweep our trails and sidewalks but continue to pick up a number of cigarette butts carelessly thrown on the ground.

Videos

Prepared BC asks to please properly Dispose of Cigarettes
Prepared BC asks to please properly Dispose of Cigarettes
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Contact:

Richard Harding
Director, Parks and Recreation
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7516
Karen Fry
Fire Chief
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4583

Print News Release

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