Police are increasing enforcement in the rural areas around Mission which are used for recreation.
Already this year there have been several incidents, including motor vehicle collisions, in these areas which have caused injuries and a fatality.
Carelessness and liquor consumption have been contributing factors in many of these incidents. In response to this, Mission RCMP are increasing patrols in the Stave West area and along several other Forest Service Roads near the municipality which are commonly used for recreational activities.
Last year, police dedicated a significant amount of time to educating users on the applicable laws in these areas says Insp. Ted De Jager, the officer in charge of the Mission Detachment. He said this year police will be focused on enforcing those the laws.
All users of these areas are reminded that the following activities are prohibited and police will be enforcing infractions including:
- Possession of open liquor in public – $230
- Having a fire within municipal boundaries without a permit – $100 (This applies to the entire District of Mission, however fire permits are not issued for the Stave West area. The only permitted fires are at the recreation site at Sayres Lake in the designated campfire rings.)
- Littering – $115
- Discharge firearm within municipal boundaries (includes the Stave West area) for target practice – $500
Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) users should be aware of the legal requirements regulating ORV use in B.C. This information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: for.gov.bc.ca/mof/orv/.
Police will also be conducting regular marine patrols on Stave Lake and other lakes in the area. Boat operators are reminded to have proper registration documentation and safety equipment with them.
