District of West Vancouver may implement parking restrictions at a popular beach in West Vancouver.
“We are also looking at the parking restrictions in the Stearman Beach area to see what we can implement on a short-term basis,” said Sheryl LeBlanc, the senior bylaw enforcement officer for the District of West Vancouver.
LeBlanch was responding to concerns of a local citizen who had complained about the ‘chaotic’ parking and traffic situation at local beaches.
LeBlanch said an interdepartmental team has been looking at options on how to address the issues around parking and traffic at local beaches.
This interdepartmental team includes bylaws, police, enforcement and engineering staff.
“We are using this coordinated approach to deal with the record high volume we are seeing at parks and beaches, including at Stearman Beach in West Van,” she said.
LeBlanc said the high numbers is common across the community and in Metro Vancouver due to large number of people staying in the town this summer, and an increase in visitors.
There is also a desire among people to be outdoors during this current situation.
“We have been proactively patrolling West Van beaches, including Stearman Beach and also responding to complaints,” she said.
The bylaw department in the District of West Vancouver has also increased staffing levels as well as the local police force.
“For this weekend and moving forward, the bylaw department has increased staffing levels and the police has done the same to try to deal with a high level of activity across the municipality,” LeBlanc wrote.
“Our priority, as always, is to ensure we will deal with public safety first.”
Is it really necessary to restrict parking options at this time when folks are training to social distance by spending time outdoors. It’s almost the end of August! We will all be stuck inside soon enough.