With over 6.3 million visits annually B次元官网网址� the majority of which come during the summer months B次元官网网址� the regionB次元官网网址檚 parks and trail systems are certainly a popular aspect of life on the South Island.

As such, each summer the Capital Regional District teams up with the RCMP to keep these parks and trail systems a safe place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

B次元官网网址淐RD bylaw officers work closely with the regionB次元官网网址檚 RCMP detachments to increase enforcement presence during peak times,B次元官网网址� says Mike Walton, senior manager of CRD Regional Parks. B次元官网网址淭his strategy is effective in reducing bylaw violations including alcohol use.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲e will have bike patrol units out and about throughout the summer,B次元官网网址� says Const. Alex Berube of the West Shore RCMP, who will be part of the patrols.

B次元官网网址淲e will be enforcing criminal code offences as well as provincial statutes such as the Liquor Control and Licensing Act and the Motor Vehicle Act.B次元官网网址�

Beyond that, Berube says, they are mainly hoping to help people enjoy their summer outdoors in a safe manner.

He says itB次元官网网址檚 important to have a visible presence out in nature to deter people from committing crime, as well as to target specific areas where the possibility of behaviour which could negatively affect peopleB次元官网网址檚 enjoyment of the region takes place. Those specific areas will be determined throughout the summer and change when necessary.

B次元官网网址淎 big issue that we deal with in parks is people littering,B次元官网网址� Berube says, B次元官网网址渙ften caused by individuals bringing alcohol into the parks at night.B次元官网网址�

Berube says that his own family also spends a significant amount of time out in nature. So heB次元官网网址檚 not only a police officer concerned with keeping people safe, heB次元官网网址檚 a community member who wants the best possible community to live in, which includes safety and cleanliness in local parks.

The bike patrols wonB次元官网网址檛 be solely focused on parks and trails, he says.

B次元官网网址淒onB次元官网网址檛 be surprised to see an officer on a bike pulling up next to you as you are stopped at a red light. We are still enforcing the Motor Vehicle Act and keeping an eye out for those who try to be discreet by using their cellphones in their laps.B次元官网网址�

CRD bylaw officers will circulate in the parks and on trails, enforcing their own bylaws, as well.

B次元官网网址淭he CRD reminds the public that alcohol, smoking and fires are prohibited at all times in regional parks,B次元官网网址� says a recent release from the organization, along with a reminder that from June 1 to Sept. 15, dogs must be leashed at all times within the parks.

Any violations of CRD bylaws within the regionB次元官网网址檚 parks or on the trails should be reported at 250-478-3344 or by email at crd parks@crd.bc.ca. For serious incidents, dial 911.

mdavies@goldstreamgazette.com